<Begin Segment 26>

RP: In the 1980s, with the support of the Sansei, the kids, questioning their parents and trying to keep these stories, these experiences in the minds of people, the redress movement sort of developed and was successful in securing an apology from the United States government and a token payment. I guess first of all, how did you feel about that?

TH: Well, I felt that since I wasn't in all that movement, but when I learned that so many of the Sansei were so active in that movement to get redress for us, then I realized that they do have a cause, and I was very proud of them, that they pushed forward on that. And so we were able to get our redress and apology.

RP: And what did that mean to you personally?

TH: That meant... well, there was four years of our lives that were taken away from us. So $20,000 is, well, not much. But when we got it in 1987, I think it was. But, oh, I was grateful it did happen. And I felt that I owe the Sansei and a lot of the Nisei who suffered, actually suffered along with them and pushed for that redress, I owe them.

RP: Was it a little late in your eyes? It was a little late coming?

TH: A little late, because by then, half of the evacuees had died or were gone.

RP: Have you attended any of Topaz pilgrimages or returned to the site?

TH: Yes. Kei and I and my daughter Susan (Eady) went to Topaz a couple years ago when they dedicated it as a national monument or national site, national (historical) site. And again, I was very moved, walked around the camp and went to Block 5 where we lived. I picked up a stone, it's just a nondescript stone, but it's the only thing I have of camp. So I keep it in my pot in the kitchen.

RP: Did you have any reactions to 9/11 and what happened after 9/11?

TH: Well, we all have memories of 9/11. And the thing I remember is as soon as I learned about it, I walked over to the gas station where my husband used to take his car to get repaired, and it was run by some Muslim people. And I went over there and I said, "Don't let what happened to us happen to you." And I don't know what I did, but that was the first thing I thought about it. They may be targeted. And that was about it. But having lived in New York and seen the twin towers, and gone up to the twin towers a few years ago, I couldn't believe what happened.

RP: Based on what you went through during World War II, do you have any insights that you could share with young people about civil liberties?

TH: I hope they never have to go through anything like this, that they have to hold it inside for a long time, wondering why did it happen. But we just can't let it happen again.

RP: Just step back to Topaz, first Christmas in Topaz. You received some gifts from somebody from outside the camp. Who was that?

TH: Yes. Harry Lee sent us a care package, candies, things from home, this area. So nostalgic, it was very, very thoughtful of him. It's nice to be remembered.

RP: Also, I just wanted to have you mention the teachers that showed up at Tanforan to visit you. Do you remember any of them?

TH: Yes, these teachers were advisors to our Japanese Students Club at Sequoia High School. It's Angelina Burns, Julianne Wolters, and Ed Kaufmann. And there were others, too, and I can't remember their names, but they boosted our morale. They were true friends.

RP: How did that club get started?

TH: I think way back in the 1930s, early '30s, perhaps, you know, there were Japanese students in Sequoia High School. And I guess because they went to Japanese school after finishing their regular public school hours, they got to know each other, and they're in high school, and they wanted a social club of their own. And they wanted to be of service to the school and community, and they were.

RP: Well, thank you for a most compelling interview. On behalf of Kirk and myself and the National Park Service, thank you.

TH: Thank you very much, Richard and Kirk. It's my pleasure.

<End Segment 26> - Copyright © 2010 Manzanar National Historic Site and Densho. All Rights Reserved.