Vol. 56, No. 19, May 10, 1963. 4 pages. View this issue
Plans for a June 2 commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery led the four pages of this May 1963 issue. Mrs. Munemori, mother of Pvt. Sadao Munemori, was to attend services marking JACL’s 20th anniversary and honoring Japanese American war dead. Page 2 reported that Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura joined other living recipients at a White House reception, where President Kennedy praised their service. Commentary on the same page asked where JACL was headed: Rose Matsui wrote about who would lead after the Old Guard and about the organization’s motto, while Dr. Takemiko Yoshinashi asked whether Japanese Americans were different from other Americans.
Also inside: Sumi Furuta’s tribute to her Issei father, a Pasadena editorial on the new Japanese Cultural Center, and the appointment of Dr. Henry Akiyama to the Alaska Board of Medical Examiners. Page 4 gathers chapter and community news, including Utah graduate honors, a Milwaukee Cherry Blossom Festival, and Cheryl Inouye’s report on the Hi-Co ’63 youth conference.
What’s in this issue
Military & Veterans
- Mrs. Munemori to Attend June 2 Rites at Arlington, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mrs. Munemori, mother of Pvt. Sadao Munemori, will attend the JACL 20th anniversary commemorative services at Arlington National Cemetery on June 2. The services honor Japanese American war dead and mark two decades since JACL’s founding of the wartime volunteer call.
- Hiroshi Miyamura, CMH Awardee, Special Guest at White House Reception, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura attended a White House reception with other living Medal of Honor winners. President Kennedy praised the Japanese American heroes and their service to the nation.
- Dr. Henry Akiyama Appointed to Alaska Medical Board, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dr. Henry Akiyama of Portland was appointed to the Alaska Board of Medical Examiners by Governor William Egan. He is a former Portland resident who interned at St. Vincent Hospital.
Commentary
- After the Old Guard, by Rose Matsui, page 2. A letter writer questions whether a new generation will take over JACL leadership as the Old Guard fades. The writer argues the organization must become more multi-purpose and focus on youth programs.
- Just a Thought, by Rose Matsui, page 2. The writer suggests revising the JACL motto ‘Security Through Unity’ to a more positive, action-oriented phrase. The letter argues security is a passive goal and proposes a motto emphasizing progress.
- Are We Different?, by Dr. Takemiko Yoshinashi, page 2. The author examines whether Japanese Americans differ from other Americans, noting physical and cultural distinctions that prompt questions from others. The piece concludes that these differences enrich American culture rather than diminish loyalty.
- A Thing of Greatness, by D.C. News Notes, page 2. The column reflects on the Nisei experience of growing up between two cultures and the struggle for acceptance after World War II. It argues that perceived differences can become a source of strength.
Obituaries
- Good Name Better than Wealth, by Mrs. Sumi Furuta, page 3. A guest columnist remembers her father, a Japanese immigrant farmer who built his reputation through hard work and integrity rather than wealth. The piece honors the Issei pioneers who sacrificed for their families.
Community
- Japanese Cultural Contributions Lauded in Pasadena Editorial, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Pasadena Star editorial praises the opening of the Pasadena Japanese Cultural Center and the contributions of Japanese Americans to the community. The editorial argues Nisei have a strong claim to patriotism.
- Fresno Buddhist Troop 5 Scoutmaster Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Shunkichi Ego, a medical lab technician who served as a scout leader in WRA centers, was named April scoutmaster of the month by the Sequoia Boy Scout Council. He has been active in scouting since 1936.
- Tri-Utah Chapters to Honor Graduates, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Salt Lake City, Mt. Olympus and Ben Lomond chapters will jointly honor local high school and college graduates at a dinner dance on May 25. Nominations for honorees were being accepted until May 19.
- Milwaukee JACL Cherry Blossom Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Milwaukee JACL planned a Cherry Blossom Festival featuring Hanga woodblock artist Unichi Hiratsuka. The event highlights traditional Japanese printmaking techniques.
- Hi-Co ’63 Youth Conference Highlights, by Cheryl Inouye, page 4. A report describes the Pacific Southwest District Council’s Hi-Co youth conference, including workshops, recreation, and a dance. Delegates left with renewed purpose and a sense of direction.
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