every father’s day I visit my grandpa’s (おじいちゃん) grave to honor his legacy.

he was imprisoned in an american concentration camp during WWII with his family because they were japanese, despite the fact that he and his siblings were u.s. citizens. he was pulled out of high school to live in the desert behind barbed wire, and when he turned 18 in the camps, he was drafted as MIS into the war. he served his country, despite the fact he was a prisoner. he loved the u.s.

when he and his family were released, they’d lost their farmland, house and livelihood, yet they continued forward. my grandpa served in the korean and vietnam wars, and he worked his way through college. he built a new prosperous life for himself and his kids, only to pass away far too young from cancer caused by exposure to carcinogens during his service.

Your grandpa's story is a powerful testament to resilience and love for his country. Honoring his legacy not only preserves his memory but also highlights the importance of acknowledging the struggles faced by many during that time.