Seven Topaz survivors and family members joined the event at the Capitol on April 22. Their presence highlighted the emotional and historic significance of our return to Utah on the 80th anniversary of Executive Order 9066.
Yae Wada was 23 years old when she arrived in Topaz in 1942. Now 102, she made the trip from the San Francisco Bay Area with her family. Ken Yamashita was born just before Topaz closed in 1945. They are pictured here with Topaz Stories team member Kimi Hill. (Photo by Joy Iwasa, Yae’s granddaughter)
Jeanie Kashima was born shortly after Topaz opened. Because the hospital had not yet been completed, her mother gave birth to her on the floor of the block laundry room. Jeanie (center) is shown with Joe Yoshino, Topaz descendant, and Ruth Sasaki, Topaz descendant and Topaz Stories editor. (Leona Lau)
I am very moved by your eloquence. You and your teammates did a good service to all Americans for bringing these issues up to date.
Thank you,
Masako Takahashi
Topaz survivor
I am very moved by your eloquence. You and your teammates did a good service to all Americans for bringing these issues up to date.
Thank you,
Masako Takahashi
Topaz survivor
Thank you, Masako. Your comment means a great deal to us!
–Ruth