Would you dare to defend your nation while others like you, possibly even your own family, are confined behind barbed wire within that same nation for reasons of ancestry alone? More than 33,000 Japanese Americans did just that. A new special exhibit at The National WWII Museum will showcase some of their stories.
From Barbed Wire to Battlefields: Japanese American Experiences in WWII includes artifacts, oral histories and stark images depicting the hardships faced by those Americans of Japanese ancestry suspected of sympathizing with the enemy and discriminated against because of their heritage. The exhibit will also honor the heroics of those Japanese Americans who overcame adversity and helped to secure American victory on the battlefields.
Meet the Author — "In Good Conscience: Supporting Japanese Americans During the Internment" by Shizue Seigel
After Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States was gripped by fear, anger and racial prejudice. In the name of national security, 120,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated. Not a single one was ever found guilty of espionage or sabotage. In Good Conscience explores the relatively few Americans who recognized at the time that the United States government was committing a great wrong. Author Shizue Seigel sketches vivid portraits of two dozen teachers, ministers and just plain folks who advocated for the Japanese Americans in the media, worked in the internment camps, safeguarded their property or helped them start new lives after leaving the camps. Co-sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. A light reception outside the Special Exhibits Gallery, as well as a special artifact presentation, will precede the event. For more information call 504-528-1944 x 225. RSVPs are appreciated for this event.
WHEN: Thursday, March 20, 2014
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
5:00 pm Exhibit Viewing and Opening Reception
6:00 pm Special Artifact Presentation
7:00 pm Meet the Author and Book Signing
WHERE: The National WWII Museum
Joe W. and D.D. Brown Special Exhibit Gallery and Solomon Victory Theater
945 Magazine Street and Andrew Higgins Drive