Personal Reflections

Comments from visitors to the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center

"I Apologize"

By Ike Hatchimonji

On a recent trip to Wyoming for the grand opening of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation's Interpretive Learning Center, on two different occasions, I was approached by individuals, one a woman and one a man who, when learning that I was an internee at the Heart Mountain concentration camp, said: "I apologize" followed by a hand shake. On hearing these words, I was momentarily perplexed and taken aback by what these complete strangers said. Actually, I was overwhelmed with emotion and softly responded, "thank you".

Why did these words have such a powerful impact? The words came as a shock after so many years. Later, as I recovered my senses, I began to wonder about the people who said 'I'm sorry' and what those words meant and why they said them. Simple words, yet they meant a lot. Perhaps it was the sincere expression of regret spoken by people who, as Americans, wanted to say how sorry they were for what happened at Heart Mountain. They knew that their fellow Americans were victims of a grave injustice. Was it a matter of conscience and guilt? Should I have said: "thank you—I deserve an apology because of what you did to me". No, I don't think most Japanese American internees would react that way. I'm sure that many former internees have received similar expressions of regret from their fellow Americans and are grateful for receiving them.

Why would these people want to apologize for something they had no responsibility for? And why, after so many years would these words be expressed? Perhaps social psychologists know the answers as to why decent Americans feel compelled to apologize on a personal basis. On the other hand, we Nisei, as Americans, do we apologize? No, that wouldn't make sense.

A Presidential apology followed the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 that granted redress for our World War II experiences. Although the words in the Presidential letter of apology were rather tepid in tone, it was not a sincere expression of regret that was called for; it was, nevertheless, a "letter of apology". The personal apologies such as I received at Heart Mountain meant much more.

Many local residents, some of who lived in the area when the Heart Mountain camp was there, attended the opening of the Foundation's Interpretive Learning Center. In the interaction they had with former internees, stories were exchanged along with smiles and handshakes. As the Learning Center is meant to do, the process of understanding had begun. No doubt, the expressions of apology are a part of that learning. True to the words of the Foundation: Kokoro Kara, the apologies were "from the heart".

HI...live in NH and was visiting for a WY wedding. Spent an afternoon at Heart Mtn. (Aug 28th). Still thinking about it...what a wonderful job you have done to recreate this site, and preserve an important piece (and often buried!) of American history. Bravo for a wonderful job...very well done and VERY moving! Thank you!

Congratulations on the opening of your center. I am a proud father of two beautiful children, mixed Japanese-Dutch; I am well aware of our countries sometimes conflicting past. The long shared history as well. A dear friend of the family, the recently deceased mr Sinkichi Tajiri - a worldfamous artist-, who lived near by, enjoyed internment long time ago, and subsequently fought in Europe. Things haunted him till the day he died. Hoping our children will never see tragedy like this, I wish you the best of luck with your center. I'm praying for the souls of those who have suffered.

The Netherlands

I have been so touched by the stories this Center portrays so eloquently. I hope millions of Americans can learn about the courage, loyalty and persistence of these brave and mistreated people. Thank you!

Th[anks] for letting me know about my parents.

Incredible museum. Such a powerful story and a masterful telling. Thank you.

Grandpa Azeka, Your carved rock is beautiful.

Institutionalized hypocr[is]y.

I performed in Kabuki @ Ht. Mtn. I think it was the only camp that had it because Mr. Tomafuku Nakamura (expert from L.A. was there). Good memories. Micky Kubota (nee Azeka)

As the son of a father inter[n]ed. I am very pleased to share the opening of this Learning Center with my daughter. May the mistakes of the past never be repeated and not forgotten. Gregg Taira

Thank you to the internees who came back. You are Great Americans.

It makes me sad to know that my father helped move these fine Americans to this confinement. It was a sad and unjustified chapter in our history.

We enjoyed the museum. Such an important part of our history.

In the memory of my family, Shintaro, Matsu, Gilbert, Evelyn, Ruth, and Jim "Zench" Miyazaki, Thank You.

I am a visitor from Ohio and I was astonished and saddened to hear a clerk in a store in Cody say, yesterday, "They should round up all the Muslims in the country and lock them up — just like the people at Heart Mountain."

A job well done with the interpretive center. I was so proud to see my grandfather's "haiku" rock on display. Thank you! Taketaro Azeka Elaine (Horiuchi) Ishida — Internee Blk. 6

This happened — in America — Let it never happen again.

So glad to see story told in the words of those who lived the experience. It's fabulous!

I was a child when I was interned here. This project is very important and accurate. Pictures tell a true story. Keep up the outstanding job. Sam Mihara, Block 14 Internee

My father Kaz Tanizawa remembered the cold at Heart Mtn. My bachan was worried about him the most because he did not like using restrooms in strange places. We are sad he did not live long enough to see this beautiful place. He is here in spirit. The ILC is wonderful; thank you for building it.

The building of the ILC has been a remarkable experience and achievement — this site will enable us to never forget what happened here —

My grandpa was in the 442. my grandma's family was interned at Heart Mountain. Thank you for keeping their memory alive.

I learned a lot about the families and how they lived. I still know it's extremely unfair how the government treated the Japanese Americans. Many haven't even been to Japan. So they couldn't be sp[ie]s.

I've heard different accounts of what happened here. I'm so glad I came ... Now I know!

Thank you for not only telling the story of a great injustice, but for also celebrating the accomplishments and the triumphs of spirit of the people who were here. As we move forward, it is their resilience, perseverance, and understanding hearts that we must emulate.

For the boys who went for broke — The family of Pfc. Ted Fujioka, KIA, 1944, France

What an amazing place this is. Congratulations to everyone. This story is so important. I am glad that it has been told here in Cody.

It's great to have a place to bring my kids and share this experience with. As a 4th generation (Yonsei) to have visited with my father and my kids was special. 3 generations. Brian Kumamoto & Family

Thank you for sharing this information with the world. As a 9th grade world history teacher and patriotic American, I take it on as my duty to educate the younger generation on what is just and good. I have been emotionally moved by this exhibit and will take this back to my classroom.

It was great to learn more about my grandparents' experience. Thank you!

Don't let history repeat as it so often does. Come here to remember, to learn, or to never forget.

My parents were in different camps. My mom's family came to Heart Mountain. This Interpretation Center gave me greater understanding and appreciation. My family, as with many other families, rarely spoke of the camps. Thank you for doing such a superb job with this Interpretation Center. It's a wonderful learning experience. Well done!

Congratulations on the opening of the ILC! "Never Again" Looking to the next step — I think we need to start discussing how we can actively prevent something like this from happening again. Going off what Dr. Vasquez said last night (at the dinner) — I think this is a great opportunity to integrate the next generation (the grandkids). If the Niseis can pass on the their stories and instill the importance of civil and human rights through their experience, This can set the foundation for my generation to be more active in social justice, and stand with and defend those today who are persecuted merely because of their ancestry.

Thank you to all those involved in creating this space — It is a story every American must know — so that it never happens again.