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2004 Pilgrimage
The 2004 Pilgrimage proved to be another success. Former internees returned to Minidoka after many years, some bringing their families. Everyone shared stories of Minidoka and reconnected with friends.
The event began when two buses embarked on the long journey to dusty Idaho. After a grueling eleven hour trip, everyone relaxed on the Snake River eating grilled Idaho trout, Dutch-oven barbecue chicken and scalloped potatoes. Some even took part in pontoon rides. The next morning, several buses took us to a Minidoka barrack at the Idaho Farm and Ranch Museum (IFARM), complete with the original water-stained interior walls and potbelly stove. Francis Egbert, Walt Bentzinger from the IFARM, Ralph Peters, Jim Azumano, Maya Hata Lemmon of the Sawtooth JACL and Hero Shiosaki from Pocatello/Blackfoot JACL volunteered to give tours. Next, we went out to Minidoka where the National Park Service gave tours of the remaining acreage. Later that evening, Dr. Robert Sims, Superintendent Neil King, Yosh Nakagawa, and college scholarship winners gave presentations. Afterward, everyone gathered at the hotel and Jim Azumano facilitated a story-telling session. An amazing count of 51 former internees was taken!
Sunday morning, a quite, but moving, closing ceremony at Minidoka organized by Tony Tsuboe of the Seattle NVC. The Wendell and Jerome Veterans of Foreign Wars performed a color guard and several emotional testimonies were given. Following the ceremony, we ate lunch and enjoyed a performance by Living Voices. The weekend felt short. Next thing I knew, everyone was returning to the buses and heading home.
Next June, again we will return to the place where life was interrupted and that changed the course of our community's path. Now more than ever, it is important to reach-out to our families and make the journey to Minidoka. As a Yonsei, I can testify that my friends, cousins, and self have had life changing experiences at Minidoka. The news articles in USA Today, Seattle Times, Twin Falls Times News, and the New York Times, have shared your stories and their legacy with a broader audience, an audience that needs to listen. Our world is continuing to breed hate and racial tension. Although Japanese Americans are not targeted by the war hysteria that plagues America currently, we understand the pain and fear that our Arab and Muslim fellow Americans are enduring.
One way for us to individually make a change, both in our community and the broader public, is to begin with our friends and family. I'd like to express much thanks and gratitude to the Nisei who have shared their stories and enriched our lives. Please be watching our web site for more information about the next pilgrimage and encourage your family and friends to attend and share their experience as well.
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