On February 22, the Point Vicente Chapter members had the privilege of receiving a docent-led tour of the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) located in downtown Los Angeles.  The tour, led by 91-year old, Internment Camp survivor, Yae Anhiara, began with a stop at the  featured exhibit:  Instructions to All Persons, Reflections on Executive Order 9066.

Ms. Anhiara explained what it was like to have been taken from the comforts of her home and family to places unknown. She showed the chapter members what a ‘cabin’ looked like—a real example that is showcased at the museum—what it was like for her family of five to survive and ways in which they created privacy in small confines. As well, she disclosed that her father, during the family’s internment, was not with them—was separated simply because of his prominence in the community.

Following the tour, chapter members toured the Go For Broke National Education Center, whose mission it is “to educate and inspire character through the virtue and valor of our World War II American Veterans of Japanese ancestry.” There was opportunity to hear oral histories of those Veterans and what it was like to serve alongside everyone else during that harrowing time.  There were also interactive displays where one could write an inspiring message of courage and inspiration for all who pass through to read and reflect.  More information is available at janm.org and goforbroke.org.