Event: Journey through the Unknown ...

The Japanese American Experience during World War II

Date:   February 1–3, 2008 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) 

Time:   10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Place:   Palo Alto Buddhist Temple

            2751 Louis road

            Palo Alto, California 94303

Journey through the Unknown –The Japanese American Experience during World War II will feature speakers, displays, and artifacts related to events that took place before, during, and after World War II. 

 The purpose is to give exposure to the evacuation of more than 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry (two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens) from the West coast during World War II, those who fought in the U.S. military to defend their honor, and the evacuees’ eventual return to the West coast.

Highlights:

• “The 120,000 Tassel Tapestry” created by 503 8th graders in Lafayette, Indiana, chronicles events of the time and was displayed at the dedication of the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism in Washington D.C.
• Leila Meyerratken, Teacher of the 8th graders, of Lafayette, Indiana, will be present to answer questions about the tapestry project.
• Former evacuees and servicemen will share their experiences.
• An elaborate artifact exhibit and videos will provide depth to some of the events depicted on the tapestry.
• The Friends of the Japanese American Community exhibit will honor those from the local community who gave aid and comfort to the evacuees before, during, and after the war.

 The following organizations and people are sponsors: Palo Alto Buddhist Temple, Sequoia JACL, Mountain View Buddhist Temple, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Japanese American Museum of San Jose.

 For further information/inquiries, please contact Ed Masuda (650) 694-7990, or Ann Okamura (650) 366-8042.