Nisei: From Internment Camps to War Zones.

Patriotism can be found in many places in American history.  Very often it grows within small and large groups. (Jimmy Doolittle's Raiders, Sons and Daughters of Liberty, Freedom Riders, Knights of Labor, Minutemen, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC),  and the Continental Army.  )An overlooked large group of men to add to the list is the 442nd Infantry Division of WWII.  This group of 14,000 soldiers were mainly 2nd generation Japanese Americans (Nisei).  Their contributions to the war effort in World War II was invaluable.  Despite the construction of the many internment camps in America, thousands of Japanese American's signed up and fought for liberty.  They are the most decorated unit who fought during World War II.  Sen. Daniel Inouye was a soldier in the 442nd and an extreme patriot. (Sen. Inouye's valor).  The numbers speak for themselves:  9,486 Purple Hearts, 4,000 Bronze Stars and 21 Medals of Honor.
                                 


 

Francis E.W. Harper: Slavery Poetry

Teaching and discussing the treatment of freedmen during the Reconstruction Era is very important.  I usually introduce the Mississippi Black Codes, Jacob Lawrence, lynching and segregation.  Here is a fantastic poet that I use that is often forgotten.  Read the poems from Francis EW Harper.  She was a poet, teacher, suffragette and social activist.   I prefer to read Bury Me in a Free Land.  It is easy to understand and filled with emotion.   Read some of her other poetry.---Learning to Read.


Here is an excerpt from Bury Me In a Free Land

I could not rest if around my grave

I heard the steps of a trembling slave;

His shadow above my silent tomb

Would make it a place of fearful gloom.