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Upcoming Exhibit: Prejudice and Patriotism

The Story of Japanese Americans in the Military Intelligence Service 1941-1952. Opens Wed. November 11, 2009 Officers' Club Presidio of San Francisco. Opening Reception and Ceremony Sat. November 14, 2009NJAHS and The Presidio Trust are pleased to announce this new exhibit and program series to enrich the public's understanding of the Japanese American experience at the Presidio of San Francisco. This program/exhibit will take place Wednesday November 11, 2009 through January 31, 2010 at the Officers' Club, at 50 Moraga Ave. in the Presidio of San Francisco. Hours for the exhibit will be Wednesdays - Sundays 11 am - 5pm. Admission is free.

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Now Available

First Class: Nisei Linguists in World War II, Origins of the Military Intelligence Service Language Program First Class starts where it all began -back to the school's very first member-to capture the story that history nearly forgot. Through oral histories, memoirs and rare photographs, David W. Swift, Jr. (whose Caucasian father was among these men) traces the story of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) first class. They made vital contributions to America's war effort, helped to shorten the war in the Pacific and helped to effect the transition to peace during the Occupation of Japan. This book threads together an intricate tale of patriotism in times of war-as told by those who lived it.

Published by the National Japanese American Historical Society
$26.95 Paperback
$39.95 Hardbound

Aprons and Pillows by Karen Mori

In the NJAHS Gallery Shop, located at 1684 Post St. (between Laguna and Webster), we now feature a selection of books, videos and DVDs about Japanese American experiences as well as gift items created by local Nikkei and Asian American craft artists. On sale are the work of artists such as Sharon Ito, Mary Masuno, Mischa Matsunami, Karen Mori, Leslie Yee Murata, Leona Nakagawa, Mikio Sakuma, Frances Tojo, Gaye Tsudama, Leland Wong w/J-Town Arts, Rachael Wong, Betty J. Yamamoto, Jane Yamato and Myrna Yee.

Gift items include contemporary unique handmade designs from Furoshiki Bags, Scented Soy Candles, Aprons & Pillows, Jewelry, Pincushions, Cards, Accessory Pouches & Bags, Notepads, Baby Items and Kitchenware Items to T-shirts and Ornaments.

$1 Million Federal Appropriation for MIS Historic Learning Center in Senate Conference Committee!

Please write to Senator Inouye to express your support! A Federal Appropriations bill including a request for $1 Million to support the MIS Historic Learning Center has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate! It now goes to the Senate Conference Committee where the House and Senate versions will be reconciled. It is critical now for supporters of the MIS HLC to express our support by telephoning, faxing or emailing Senator Daniel Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Phone: 202-224-3934 Fax: 202-224-6747   Click here to email Senator Inouye

Sample Message:

I am writing/calling to urge Senator Dan Inouye to support the current provision for a $1 million appropriation to support the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center (MISHLC) in the Presidio of San Francisco. The MISHLC will be the permanent home for the story and legacy of the achievements and sacrifices of the Nisei soldier linguists who played such a significant role in the Pacific Theater of World War II and the occupation of Japan.    

Letter from Edgar Hamasu to Senator Inouye

Subject: MIS Historic Learning Center at Presidio of San FranciscoDear Senator Inouye,

On behalf of MIS Veterans Club of Hawaii, may I respectfully request your early favorable action on the subject matter. We were informed by the National Japanese American Historical Society in San Francisco that the funding for MIS Historic Learning is currently before the Senate Conference Committee to be reconciled with the House version introduced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The funding is essential to begin the next critical phase in the preservation and restoration of the MIS Historic Learning Center.

MIS Veterans Club of Hawaii has been keenly interested in the fruition of the Learning Center ever since the idea was brought to our attention by Mr. Harry Fukuhara over five (5) years ago. He has led the cause for many years in San Francisco, and now resides in Kahala Nui in Honolulu. We’ve known the Center as “Building #640,” an old airplane hangar, located within Presidio of San Francisco, the site of former Fourth Army Headquarters. The hangar was used for Japanese Language training, with an initial class of nearly 60 Japanese Amercian soldiers even before the start of WW II. Building #640 can therefore be considered “the cradle” of MIS Japanese Language training in the WW II Pacific Campaign against Japan.

At the meeting of MIS Veterans Club on October 28th, it was the unanimous sentiment of the Board of Directors to send you a letter respectfully urging you to take a favorable action on this matter at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much!

Edgar Hamasu  

Annual Benefit Raffle - Get your tickets!

"Building for the Future"NJAHS Annual Benefit Raffle Tickets are now available. Get your tickets now and a chance to win: Grand Prize: Airfare for 2 to Japan. Second Prize: Airfare for 2 to Hawaii. Third Prize: $1,500 cash. Tickets are 3 for $25.  Click here to download the order form! The drawing will be Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 5p.

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