School’s out for-ever
In 1941 O.G. was going to UCLA. That same year the war started. The government took her and many others and put them in internment camps. It didn’t matter that they were born in America – these people lost their homes, their businesses and their futures, and were forced to leave with only what they could carry. Now, SEVENTY years later, UCLA is giving those interned Japanese-Americans their diplomas.
On Saturday we attended the ceremony – many of the recipients have long been deceased, and had to have other family members represent them. Well into their 80s and 90s now, many of them couldn’t walk. But O.G. made it there and finally got her diploma after all these years.
It felt kind of bittersweet to me. Sort of like, ‘Hey remember that time we made you live in a horse stable? Oops, my bad.’ Despite the sadness and what could have been, it was a great day and the graduates seemed really excited and happy.
I made O.G. signs which the boys happily carried and waved. The double decker tour buses got an eyeful everytime they turned the corner – the kids couldn’t contain themselves.
After the ceremony there was a reception…with ALL THE MOCHI YOU COULD EAT. Best. Reception. Ever. Even the traditional chi chi dango mochi was dyed UCLA colors which even this die hard Trojan found heart warming.
Later we went to Roy’s downtown to celebrate – for some delicious Hawaiian fusion and amazing service. Misoyaki butterfish anyone? OH. YES. And, of course I had to bring a cake from King’s Hawaiian to end the meal! (More info on the cake, here.)
O.G. was a media darling, I saw her on the news and interviewed for several papers. I don’t normally post personal pictures, but this…this was a momentous occasion seventy years in the making – and frankly, I’d never seen her so happy.
Congrats O.G.! Good luck finding a job in this economy, sucka…
L.A. Times story on UCLA Japanese American honorees
L.A. Times pictures from the ceremony
Channel 2 news story
