<Begin Segment 20>

RP: How did the events of September 11, 2001, affect you?

SK: Well, I went with the people to the museum for the candle lighting ceremony we had and we had speakers, Arab American speakers and Japanese American speakers. And it felt real good. Because I felt like, well, I heard George Bush's speech and I thought, well, this is great, even the President is speaking to protect the Arab Americans and that was a luxury we didn't enjoy. But anyway, I just felt like things are much better. Things have improved since the time... because people were saying, "Put the Arabs into camps," right? Right after it happened they said, "Put 'em all into camps." And I thought, gosh. But to hear the President come out and, and back them up, support them as Americans. (I wasn't) a fan of George Bush's, but that much I really give him credit for.

RP: Did you have any involvement with the movement for redress?

SK: No, no, I didn't. No, except to sign petitions and write letters. But I wasn't personally involved.

RP: What was your reactions to receiving a letter from the other, the other Bush?

SK: Oh, yes. Oh, I was --

RP: And, and the check.

SK: I was happy. Yeah, I was really happy. I didn't think it would happen when they first talked about it, I didn't think it would ever happen. But I was overjoyed to receive it. Bought a car and I'm still driving it. [Laughs] It, but you know, it was a wonderful windfall. But I think we deserved it.

<End Segment 20> - Copyright © 2009 Manzanar National Historic Site and Densho. All Rights Reserved.