The Northwest times. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1947-1955, 1950-03-01

10 De Ill DcjQ bdSIt.
I have summed up what, TO me.
is the real and basic argument
against "Nisei Memorial Day" All
other arguments are, think, merely
side issues. Therefore, I shall dis
cuss only briefly, some of Mr.. Hire
ses remarks which ought to be an
swered if only to set the record
straight
First, if my comment on the rea-
sons for not laying wreaths on Nisei
graves at Arlington on Armistice Day
was not correct, I shall freely admit
my error. 1t is not an important
matter. as the laying or non-laying
of wreaths is not pertinent to the
main question.
Neither is the argument that the
Seattle NVC organized itself as a
Nisei group in apparent segregation
as a minority organization, parti-
cularly material argument. The Sc
attic NVC's reason for organizing is
its own business. However, it might
be explained that the NVC was or
ganized to cope with the particular
problems of Nisei veterans, just as
the JACL was organized to do things
on a national scale for all Japanese
Americans. 1t does not signify that
the NVC approves of segregation
quite the contrary. The NVC has
repeatedly emphasized its position
that its members should join the
recognized veterans groups as indi-
viduals. 1t will not affiliate with
other groups as an organization, SIM
ply because the very idea of forming
an ALL Oriental American Legion or
VFW post is distasteful to Seattle
veterans.
The fact that a special monument
was erected in Seattle in. memory
of Nisei war dead, Is likewise basic
ally immaterial. We'd like to correct
Mr.. Hirose, however, in his impress
sion that the Seattle NVC erected
the monument. Our monument at
Lakeview Cemetery was erected by
grateful community acting as a
whole, not by the veterans. Out OF
the funds gathered by the Nisei War
Memorial Committee for this pur-
pose. $500 has been earmarked for
the general King County memorial.
The Japanese community has thus
shown its aWareness of the fact that
the Nisei war dead are Americans
and are entitled to be treated and
honored as such.
Mr.. Hirose states that the idea of
"Nisei Memorial Day. was approved
by the national JACL Nisei Veterans
Committee, which represents far
more Nisei veterans than does the
Seattle NVC'' I regret that I can
not agree. How representative is this
organization? How many members
has 1t In the nation and how many
in Seattle and other certers of Nisei
population? Has 1t held any menu
bership meetings?
AS to how Nisei veterans feel in
general, l will admit that have
conducted no poll over the United
States. I can cite only the stand OF
the Seattle NVC and the 442nd Club
of Hawaii-beth of whom are solidly
united against the observance of
"Nisei Memorial Day.
In conclusion, I should like to
make it clear to everyone and es-
pecially to Mr.. Hirose, that there is
nothing personal in this exposition
Mr.. Hirose is certainly entitled to
his own opinion as to the merits of
"Nisei Memorial Day. So are all
others who feel as he does.
On the other hand, there are
others who feel as / do That being
the case let's let the JACL national
convention decide the question, For
my part, I am perfectly willing to
abide by the decision of the major
ity