Celebrating history
By Larry Meyer — Argus Observer
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 10:09 AM PDT
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| Members of Kawa Taiko perform in the Meyer/McLean Auditorium Saturday evening just before the Nisei Appreciation Banquet at the Four Rivers Cultural Center. |
ONTARIO — It was indeed a gala event Saturday night at the Nisei Appreciation Banquet as the Snake River Japanese American Citizens League gathered at the Four Rivers Cultural Center to honor the Nisei — second generation Japanese Americans, who, despite hardships, raised their families and built their farms and businesses locally.
Approximately 400 people from all over the valley packed the banquet facilities of the cultural center, with tables set about halfway into the foyer.
The event was designed to allow younger generations to honor their Nisei ancestors. The banquet drew such dignitaries as Akio Egawa, Portland, the Japanese consulate-general for Oregon and southern Idaho, and Jim Azumano, Oregon Office of Rural Policy, representing Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
In his remarks, Egawa said the Japanese American Citizens League is important to maintain the strong relationship between the United States and Japan. Japan has had a long relationship with Oregon, having the sixth oldest Japanese Consulate in the United States, established in 1900, he said.
“Japan and Oregon are close friends,” Egawa said. “Our relationship should not be taken for granted. Be friendly observers and critics of Japanese and U.S. relations. Strengthen those relations.”
Saturday was a night of history, also, as there were displays and video presentations about the Nisei’s history in the valley, including their experience through the Depression and the war years, some of them having fought in World War II in decorated units or having endured the relocation camps.
Speakers talked about the dedication of Nisei to hard work and discipline and how they were an example in the community for their generosity.
Cathy Yasuda, one of the Sansei — third generation — speakers, noted that Niseis played an important role in the planning, funding and completion of the Four Rivers Cultural Center. She said it was only fitting the banquet was held there. Reid Saito, Nyssa farmer and Sansei, said “(We are) appreciative for what they have contributed to the community,”
Listing good work habits, ethics, generosity and keeping families together, Saito added, “Nisei, you taught us by example. We owe it to you (to follow that example.)” Rev. Marvin Harada, who grew up in the Jamieson area and is now a minister at the Orange County, Calif., Buddhist Temple, commented the Nisei faced many obstacles, having gone through the Depression, getting caught between the old and new traditions and facing discrimination in the United States and Japan during World War II. Being the children of Japanese immigrants in the United States, “The Nisei never knew their grandparents,” Harada said.
“They were expected to work hard. They were expected to do well in school,” he said. “Nisei had to fend for themselves,” when going to school or doing homework, Harada added.
“The Nisei were successful in starting farms and businesses,” he said.
Closing his remarks about how to thank the Nisei, Harada said the only way to repay them is to follow in their footsteps.
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