I pray for peace to all the young souls, two generations before me who died for our country in World War II, many of whom faced racism for the very country they died for. Some had family imprisoned merely because of their their race while they fought and died for their country.
Young boys marched to their departure location with heavy bags while their counterparts were driven to their departure locations after saying goodbye to their loved ones. They marched with their bags while their own U.S. colleagues guarded with guns as their parents looked on, many with tears in their eyes. The guards blocked anyone from getting close to say goodbye. I can never forgive my country for not giving them their dignity to at least let them hug their moms and dads before they left to fight for our country. Many of these young boys died for their country with this last memory of their parents separated by guards wishing to give one last goodbye to their sons. Also, a good number of them died for their country while their families were imprisoned by the very country they died for.
I thank you so much for all you sacrificed to make the world better for my generation and future generations. I pray that you are in peace and with your loved ones. Like you, we must all do our best to make our world better and be prepared to die. When that time comes, I want to thank you personally. I also look forward to seeing my loved ones and ancestors. Until then, I will live a full life and “go for broke” to better our world and make it more peaceful.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 