to solemn and uplifting public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage.

Furumoto returned to Los Angeles in May 1954.Remembering the gifts of language from two long-time Gardena High School teachers.

Follett serving as interpreter when I met my uncle and aunt from Yokohama for the first time.and the Los Angeles-Nagoya Sister City Affiliation (LANSCA).Many forest trees had been cut down to build barracks.

the majority of whom seemed to have little aptitude for the language.I was certain that I had failed at my only chance ever to go to Japan.

I learned a great deal about Japanese culture in the two years I was there.

and I recently retired from the County of Los Angeles.and OCO Youth: Helping Farms Feed Families.

After a delicious buffet lunch.a Yonsei from Ventura County and founder of Kansha Project.

followed by Glenn Tanakas inspiring remarks and touching recognition of the legacy projects volunteers.000 pre-World War II Nikkei farms in California.