The "411" on the 442
03-21-2010
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We talk a lot about the tragedies’ in other nations of the world. We look to support those countries that we feel fit the ideals of democracy. Many times in our history our support has proven catastrophic. I want to make a note about prejudice. I cannot lie and tell you that I am unaware of people of color. I cannot lie and tell you that once upon a time I have used to myself words that were of indignation and contempt toward other cultures. When I embraced my own heritage I realized how silly my views were and more important how harmful they would be if furthered by my own ignorance. I do not understand. I do not see it any longer. I do not know how the color of a person’s skin immediately qualifies this culture or ethnic group as one devalued in the eyes of others. We have learned nothing from history! In earlier times our fears of those we could not understand became condemnation for multitudes of people. From times of the Salem Witch Hunts to our pursuit of the annihilation of the Native Americans of this continent. In fact to my great shame it has been those of the Caucasian complexion that have caused most of this racial disharmony though out human kinds existence. Disturbing.
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December 7, 1941 brought the attack on Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into war with Japan. One of the actions that resulted from this conflict would be the internment of the Asian American population of the United States. Many of these people were residents of this country. They were taken from their homes, their places of work closed and brought to camps set far from general society. Treated as they were for the duration of the war as prisoners.
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 There are still some remaining World War II veteran’s although time is taking its toll on their numbers. Two great wars in the time from 1916 to 1945. Two conflicts that involved almost the entire globe and all its inhabitants. Two wars that we could measure the destruction in the photographic images captured over the course of those periods. Available but rare are also moving images. We have survivors of both combat and imprisionment that have told the world their stories. We have history. History is our largest benefactor. The ability to change the way things could be done by looking at the very repetitive pattern of human civilization. Deceptions have always been perpetrated on the populations of countries. Sometimes that deception is very in your face as in the day-to-day government nonsense that we hear about. But many deceptions we play on ourselves and repeat the pattern, just as we were repeating what has not worked throughout history. Socially there are two great truths; first that we will not ever get along with everyone as not everyone wants to get along with us and the second is that you cannot change the first.
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In World War II the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, now called the 442nd infantry. This regiment of men served with uncommon distinction on the battlefields of Italy, southern France and then Germany itself. The members of this unit are to this day the most highly decorated regiment in the history of the United States Armed Forces, including 21 Medal of Honor recipients.
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I wonder when we are going to learn. I wonder if we will ever learn. You never know who could be your savior, your benefactor, your protector, your ally or your friend. We may never learn of all the possibilities that open to us when we take the color from our eyes and better still from our hatred.
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The 442nd Regimental Combat Team now called the 442nd infantry was the most decorated unit in the history of the Armed Forces of the United States. Among the multitude of decorations awarded this unit were 21 Medals of Honor.
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This unit was formed entirely of Asian-American’s and many of them were of Japanese descent whose families remained interred throughout the conflict.
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For too long I've messed with the wiring in my head. Now it shorts out more oft than not. But at my age I just sit and enjoy the sparks. RJM '07
Many Exceptional Free and Pay for Images Available here Fotosearch.com
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