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A Link, and Life in Hawaii
May. 18th, 2008 10:44 amMy most recent SFF Novelists post: Why Are Books So Long?, although I don't actually answer that question. Go read to see what question I do answer.
Onward to Life in Hawaii:
I meant to link to this article about Frank Tanabe.
Mr. Tanabe was one of 452 Japanese Americans whose U(university of) W(ashington) college careers were interrupted when they were forced into World War II internment camps. Now, UW is conferring honorary degrees on those still alive. Including Mr. Tanabe, who spent time in two different internment camps before--you knew this was coming--joining the Army and serving in military intelligence. What he did after the war I don't know, but his son is interviewed, and one can't help but notice that the son's name is Ike.
How does Mr. Tanabe feel about the honor?
In true local style, he is a little embarrassed, but he goes on to reflect on what it would have meant to his parents: "The diploma does contain the sweat and all the hard work and sacrifice of my parents, who wanted their firstborn son to leave their home with a college degree. If they were alive, they would be overjoyed and very grateful to all those who made their dream come true."
In today's paper, Mr. Tanabe's grandson reflects on what the degree means to him and his generation: I am proud of the nisei — my grandfather's generation — who responded to the prejudice of internment with actions of strength and honor.
The original Advertiser article includes a link to a UW article and database about the students forced out and what happened to them.
The ceremony is actually happening right now, as I post this.
Onward to Life in Hawaii:
I meant to link to this article about Frank Tanabe.
Mr. Tanabe was one of 452 Japanese Americans whose U(university of) W(ashington) college careers were interrupted when they were forced into World War II internment camps. Now, UW is conferring honorary degrees on those still alive. Including Mr. Tanabe, who spent time in two different internment camps before--you knew this was coming--joining the Army and serving in military intelligence. What he did after the war I don't know, but his son is interviewed, and one can't help but notice that the son's name is Ike.
How does Mr. Tanabe feel about the honor?
In true local style, he is a little embarrassed, but he goes on to reflect on what it would have meant to his parents: "The diploma does contain the sweat and all the hard work and sacrifice of my parents, who wanted their firstborn son to leave their home with a college degree. If they were alive, they would be overjoyed and very grateful to all those who made their dream come true."
In today's paper, Mr. Tanabe's grandson reflects on what the degree means to him and his generation: I am proud of the nisei — my grandfather's generation — who responded to the prejudice of internment with actions of strength and honor.
The original Advertiser article includes a link to a UW article and database about the students forced out and what happened to them.
The ceremony is actually happening right now, as I post this.