Francesca Biller's Open Salon Blog

Honoring Japanese-American World War II Veterans

Mon, 28 May 2012 19:05:19 -0400

My Japanese-American uncle just turned 90 this weekend, and here is his story about how he fought in World War II.

He fought in the 442nd Battalion, the most highly decorated infantry in United States History, and he received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his bravery.

And in his words, he shouldn't have had to prove that "he was an American" anymore than anyone else, simply because he was Japanese.

It was a frightening period for everyone in the U.S., but especially for Japanese-American citizens who were imprisoned in internment camps and had their land, businesses and freedom taken away because of fear, racism, ignorance and bigotry.

While mothers and fathers clung to their younger children, many young Japanese men who were old enough to enlist in the War left barren camps and felt it was both their duty and their right to fight on behalf of the Americans, which they were a part of since birth.

This was a surprise attack on American soil wherein 2,402 innocent Americans were killed, 1,282 were wounded and most devastatingly . . . when the spirit of the country became demoralized as our country realized perhaps for the first time how vulnerable we really were were as a people and as a nation.

But what is not widely known by many Americans is the unrivaled and courageous performance of the 442nd Battalion, a unit comprised 100 percent of Japanese Americans, forever known as the most highly decorated infantry in the history of the United States Armed Forces for their commended unbridled bravery and service.

As most Japanese in mainland states were inhumanely forced to survive in internment camps on a moment's notice with their land, possessions, businesses, freedoms and dignity taken away, young Japanese American men nonetheless immediately enlisted and volunteered in the efforts of the war; even those whose families were forced to live in camps.

In some instances, many of these soldiers felt even more patriotism, wanting to prove their allegiance to the country they were born and raised in, and to show the world that they were in fact, true and red-blooded Americans.

Three of my uncles from Hawaii eagerly volunteered as part of the 442nd, although their families were allowed to keep their homes and businesses and were not interned as it would have severely devastated the state's economy as approximately two-thirds of the population were of Japanese descent during this period.

One veteran uncle who recently turned 90 told me a story about how, after he was severely wounded by a gun shot to his arm, carried a man twice his weight over his shoulder to safety across a fast-moving river for more than a mile to safety.

He said he didn't hesitate or give it a second thought to save a fellow soldier he didn't even know, because it was his duty and mission as a dedicated soldier and in his words "No man is more or less important than any other.

The motto for the 442nd Battalion was "Go For Broke".

John J. McClay, Assistant Secretary of War said the following about the 442nd Infantry, "I cannot say that their "Go For Broke' service has ever been adequately honored, but I do know that any objective appraisal of the record of this unit will place it high up in the annals of our military history," McClay said.

"Whether in France, Italy or elsewhere, I know of no other units in the American Army that fought and persevered more gallantly than did those Nisei companies and battalions."

Their unit fight song was:

"We're the boys of Hawai'i nei-- We'll fight for you And the Red, White and Blue, And Go to the Front. . . . And Back to Honolulu! . . . Fighting for dear old Uncle Sam! . . . Go For Broke! HOOH! We don't give a damn! . . . . We'll round up the Huns- At the point of our guns- And victory will be ours! . . . GO FOR BROKE! FOUR-FOUR -TWO! And victory will be ours!"

While their victory was certainly bright insofar as their unparalleled valor, courage and humbled honor, they suffered great losses as fearless and determined soldiers. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team fought primarily in Europe beginning in 1944 and was a self-sufficient force who became highly decorated after fighting battles in Italy, Southern France and Germany, winning 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars and 9,486 Purple Hearts.

Officially, the casualty numbers which combines those KIA -Killed in Action with MIA- Missing in Action including those wounded and removed from action totals as a fraction of all who served, extremely high.

As in all families, there is "that one story" that both seers and bonds a legacy together, and in my family, our tale is one of hidden and untold stories, bravery, historical intrigue and a proud legacy for which I will be forever be both appreciative and indebted to as both a citizen as thus country and as a human being.

As I am about to embark on a journey to my mother's homeland of Hawaii to interview my veteran uncles and learn about their first-hand experiences during World War II, this is a trip like none I will ever have the opportunity to take again as I will hear truths and stories previously untold, and surely never to be forgotten once they are shared and revealed.

My mother was about seven years-old when the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor ensued and spewed shockwaves and fear throughout the nation, and for her, framed her childhood, her life-story, and the community in which she lived in a tangible, volatile and dramatic way.

The immediate decision of my uncles and most young Japanese American men to volunteer in the war's efforts was a respectful one, although it proved a hardship when so many young men suddenly left their small communities behind for unknown territory and deadly conditions on the battlefronts in Europe.

My family, thankfully were able to sustain their acres of coffee farmlands which they had toiled and worked on for two generations. While the men left for war, the women, including my mother, aunts and grandmother fought stoically to maintain the daily struggles on their own battlefront at home, maintaining their land and their morale, as women have historically managed during wartime.

Because Japanese culture by nature is very private and does not believe in self-promotion or talking too much, be it positively or negatively-- even having a word in their language "hagi" which means "shame" if one is thought to brag; sadly, one the results of this Japanese cultural trait is that many Americans do not know much if anything about the 442nd during the Second World War.

As a small child I vividly remember my uncles discussing how they felt it was their "duty and "calling" to enlist in the war on behalf of America, and how they never considered any other possibility.

My mother, who was only a little girl at the time, said she does not remember hesitation, question, conflict or caution as to whether or not her brothers would risk their lives and fight overseas, and that is was inarguably "the right thing to do."

On one particularly balmy day at dusk near calm Hawaiian waters not far from my family farm where we came together in late summers I recall my grandfather speak about how it was both a glorious and difficult period to be alive.

In his words, "Japanese -Americans were as American as anyone else", and his sons fought bravely, as they were expected to do, alongside Caucasians, African-Americans, and anyone else willing to risk their lives for the country they so loved and belonged to.

Thankfully, I have two uncles who remain alive today to tell their stories about what it was like to serve as soldiers during World War II, and I look forward to hearing first-hand about their personal accounts. Their stories will no doubt be akin to many other soldiers who fought, yet different insofar as the double edged sword of facing racism and bigotry both overseas and on the home front.

As more World War II Veterans pass away each day, bringing many of their valuable stories along with them to their graves for eternity, the impetus to share their experiences becomes more crucial by the day.

As for my long-awaited interviews with both of my uncles, I picture us underneath a Hawaiian Banyan tree on a windswept afternoon under clear island skies. I am as calm and still as the ocean as I listen with bated breath to their quiet memories that will be filled with thunderous, stormy and sentimental tales of young soldiers who fought for this country some 70 years ago, but never to be forgotten.

My 90-year old uncle on his Birthday, a Highly Decorated World War II Solider who was part of the 442nd "Go For Broke" Battalion, the most highly decorated Infantry in United States history.

To our Veterans . . . We Cry because We are Proud

Mon, 28 May 2012 19:05:31 -0400

For all of the unsung and sung heros who have fought so solidly, bravely and with humility for our young country, I salute and sing to you with tears of gratitude and without forbearance to you on this Memorial Day. â€¨â€¨

As each new day begins and then waxes bright with the moon's leer-- do not fear, for there are those of us here who have you in our hearts and know truly "who you are", what you have sacrificed, and what "you" will never be able to forget or forgive in the banks of your seared memory and souls that have stood steadfast for us all.â€¨â€¨

Whether you have now laid shallow below our heart-sleeved graves or amongst farmlands or overgrown trafficked-highways . . . for a hundred years, for a few decades, a few years or for only one strong-breathed moment, we salute you, and we cry because we are proud.â€¨â€¨

Whether you are serving your 100th day overseas, your 365th, your first hour or stationed in another state far away from your longing babes who clung to your calves when you left; from your elderly parents who stood stoic on the tarmac; or away from your high school sweetheart who you first kissed under hometown skies . . . we salute you, and we cry because we are proud.â€¨â€¨

Although our great nation seems to be fighting our own battle amongst our own lively, passionate and even disheartened citizens, we are still soulful and we fight because we know we have something to fight for . . . something to battle for . . . and for this, we salute you, and we cry because we are proud.â€¨â€¨

For all of the privates and generals who died violent steep deaths or slow painful ones during The Civil War, we still think about you, the sacrifices you made and the freedoms and revolutionary ideals that were born and bred due to your bravery and brevity.

And for this, we salute you, and we cry because we are proud. â€¨â€¨For our humble and hard working men and women who came from every corner of the United States and from every race, creed, religion and class who fought and toiled in The Second World War; who left large and small families, and businesses and dreams behind in order to battle and free the world from evil, we salute you, and we cry because we are proud.â€¨â€¨

For "lost and found" men who were drafted to fight in The Vietnam War, "those" boys who were too young to drink cold beers on hot summer days; those who had planned to attend college, those who were going to take over family businesses, and those who planned nothing at all but to live a happy life free of nightmares and severed limbs, we salute you, and we cry because we are proud.â€¨â€¨

We are "all" still able to dream in and of a nation that is strong and well-shouldered in faith and moral conviction, while mightily holding up our nation's flag for other nations to revere . . . only because you have allowed us the opportunity to do so.â€¨â€¨

And for this we salute you, and we cry because we are proud.

Army Casualties Omaha Beach 1944

Why People without Children may be "On to Something"

Wed, 2 May 2012 01:05:34 -0400

Comedian Rita Rudner once said, “My husband and I are either going to

buy a dog or have a child. We just can’t decide whether to ruin the

carpet or ruin our lives."

Ruining one’s life and a child’s life is easily said and done, given the fact that most people put more thought into deciding what car or home to purchase more than whether or not they should bring a child into the world.

I have "actually" heard people ask both men and women of a certain age without children questions that include, “Are you gay?' “Did you hate your parents?” “Are you afraid of commitment?” and even statements such as “You must be sterile” and “You're going to really regret this when you are old and all alone.”

In Western Society and largely throughout the world, one is presumed to be cold, selfish, physically handicapped, immoral and even mentally lacking in one way or another if they decide they don’t wish to have any children at all. . . . ever.

We wonder what could possibly be wrong, as we imagine a multitude of

strange skeletons hiding in their closets- perhaps even rudely theorizing if they too have yet to come out of one.

Whispers, rumors and opinions are formed as to why this uncle, aunt or

childless couple continues in their unwavering stance of simply not

wanting kids.

We torture them with endless pictures of our own babies, tell them “It’s

never too late,” and tell them that they will regret their decision “Not to

go forth and multiply” for the rest of their lives.

While it is understood that men and women have an evolutionary

biological need and feel pressure to plant and nurture their seeds before leaving the planet; modern medicine, revolutionary changes in politics and societal culture has drastically changed people’s ability to choose paths they deem as more important or advantageous than child rearing. Go figure.

But we don’t believe them. We think they’re lying, have suffered some

horrendous abuse as a child and ultimately, some of us make it our life’s mission to save others from what we think must be an empty, pathetic life.

But what if they do know what they are doing? It is clear that few of us

have actually considered this possibility.

What if these childless people are truly introspective and have thought deliberately and selfless as they have taken on this unpopular stance. Nothing, after all is more selfish than having children just to keep the status quo.

We have all come across parents with no business having children and

the children who suffer as a result. We have all seen horrific stories of

mothers and fathers who couldn’t handle parenthood. The leading cause of death among children under the age of five is murder by their own parents.

This is not to say that all unwilling parents become evil or dangerous, but it does inevitably follow in some cases.

But I asked for it with all honesty, and therein resides my ability to be

happy despite the hardships. As a little girl I fed baby dolls with bottles

and even hand-sewed clothes for them. I also adored my own mother

and wanted only to be like her.

But what about all the girls and boys who have always known in their

hearts they did not want children as much as I have always known that I

did?

Two successful females in my family have made this decision. I do not

know exactly why, but I suspect it is because they are enjoying the heck

out of their lives just the way they are and don’t want to rock the cradle.

Their decision not to bring children into the world should be as respected and lauded for those who want to have children, as well as for own their self-awareness to make an unpopular choice, as they surely face disapproval on all fronts, especially women.

As a modern society, the very idea of choosing to stay childless is

perhaps the last taboo allowed to be fiercely judged and frowned upon

. . . that and being a Black Gay Republican, but that’s for a different

article.

As citizens we are expected to obtain a law degree before practicing law,a medical license before giving Doctorly advice, and a driver’s license before operating a motor vehicle.

And yet, getting pregnant and impregnating a woman is a

decision often decided upon as a result of expectation and societal and cultural pressure whether or not the prospective parents are happy about the idea or emotionally and financially equipped to raise a child.

Just for kicks, the next time someone you deem as either mature or

immature tells you they are not interested in having children, but would

rather travel the world with their lover; would prefer to be married to

their jobs, or simply live a simpler life, attempt to listen with an easier

and less judgmental mind, and try not to seethe with jealousy.

Envy is one of the first signs of bitterness and the beginnings of the

deadly void of becoming jaded, a quality nearly impossible to oust once

you have become too familiar with it.

If you are already a parent and love being one, there are numerous

human causes more worthy of getting worked up about; one of which is to appreciate our own children instead of worrying about those who don't not want any of their own.

Some of the greatest people you and your children may ever have the

pleasure of knowing may not have children of their own; among them

some of our best authors, teachers, artists, philanthropists and role models to children,as they often appear magical, free and boasting of imagination and tales of travels and limitless aspirations.

Your children will learn a great lesson through your own acceptance that all people have a right to make their own life decisions.

Or, you can choose to listen to lamenting ruminations like this one from Phyllis Diller when she said, “Most children threaten to run away from home. This is the only thing that keeps some parents going.”

My family in the late 1960's in Santa Monica , Now . . these were indeed interesting times, I am sitting on my father's lap at about two.

I Was Propositioned by a Secret Service Agent

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:04:26 -0400

I must confess 'right here and now' that as an aspiring college journalist, I once flirted with a Secret Service Agent in order to nab a great interview.

It was during former President Bill Clinton's run for office in 1992 and even though I always swore to myself I would never use my feminine wiles to promote my career, I couldn't resist a particular agent who motioned me to "come his way" so that I might get closer to Clinton.

At first I thought he must have been pointing to the scores of police officers and dignitaries in front of me. After all, I was merely an aspiring female student with a Media Press Pass from my college newspaper.

But it was soon obvious that this tall and debonaire agent was asking me to come towards him, and a few police officers nonchalantly escorted me over, as if they were used to helping young girls find their way over to agents.

He whispered to me that he couldn't get me an interview with Clinton, but he might be able to get me a sit-down with Congressman Joseph Kennedy who was at this particular Southern California restaurant campaigning for Clinton.

He also whispered the name of the hotel he would be staying at, and directed me "not to say anything" while I was standing near him.

Here I was, wearing the most professional outfit I could possibly find, with a shirt buttoned up to my neck, a black conservative suit and my hair slightly pinned back so I would appear as the intelligent academic I knew I was. All I was missing were Sarah Palin eyeglasses and the "You Betcha" wink. Little did my naive self know back then that it didn't matter what a woman wears, as long as she is young and attractive.

What did seem to matter as I took an eagle eye look around the premises was that I was easily the youngest and prettiest female there, and therefore I was a marked woman and a lucky one at that.

As a young and ambitious student, I found myself continually and righteously denying what I looked like, and even looked down at anyone who pointed out my physical appearance . . . actually taking it as an insult to my intelligence and worth as a professional woman.

But I soon learned fast and hard that for a woman, looking good was not only "not a negative" but a positive that opened doors for me if I only handled propositions in just the right way.

This wasn't my first or last experience I had as reporter in which my physical appearance landed me the best seat in the house or top one-on-one interview. And any female journalist who claims that her beauty doesn't matter in the business is lying.

As many of my female colleagues were using their looks and turning to television as a way to get ahead in the business, I instead set my goals on investigative journalism with my first internship at The Wall Street Journal, where even there-- older male superiors were telling me I had "the look" for television and that I would help "up" any show's ratings.

I will only admit today that I gave that Secret Service Agent a bit of a flirty smile, a knowing eye and a slight tousling of my hair when he mentioned Kennedy. At the time I felt I was going against everythingI believed in, but at the same instant I felt a sense of power in that I suddenly belonged to an inner circle.

Before I knew it, I was whisked through a massive crowd and into a restaurant for a one-on-one interview with Congressman Kennedy to ask him why he was supporting Bill Clinton for president.

It all happened so fast, and I was even asked what I wanted to drink and promptly said "Ice Tea" as I took out my tape recorder I never thought I dreamt I would get a chance to use that day.

Using one's beauty in her career is a subject most women don't want to discuss and few will admit to. But over the years, after having doors open for me in which I have been given exclusive access to many events after a mere wink or a nod from a producer or editor, I finally learned how to make my looks work for me, and yet still in a classy way and professional manner.

Don't get me wrong, I have never given in to any solicitations during my career, even though I have been tempted by a few famous men I will allow to remain nameless. Actually following through with a proposal is something that can hurt a woman's career, even though I have known a few who have benefited from such behavior.

And as for that tall, dark and handsome Secret Service Agent and I?

Sorry to say for your salacious interest that nothing happened between us at any hotel or anywhere else for that matter.

Ahhh . . . youth is clearly wasted on the young.

Funniest Marriage Jokes by Jewish Comedians

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:04:29 -0400

Rodney Dangerfield

"With my wife I don't get no respect. I made a toast on her birthday to "the best woman a man ever had." The waiter joined me."

"I told my wife the truth. I told her I was seeing a psychiatrist. then she told me the truth: that she was seeing a psychiatrist, two plumbers and a bartender."

"My wife wants sex in the back of the car. The only problem is, she wants me to drive."

"My wife and I were happy for 20 years. And then we met."

"My wife was afraid of the dark . . . then she saw me naked and now she's afraid of the light."

"We sleep in separate rooms, we have dinner apart, we take separate vacations-- we're doing everything we can to keep our marriage together."

"My marriage is on the rocks again, My wife just broke up with her boyfriend"

"I have good looking kids. Thank goodness my wife cheats on me."

"If it wasn't for pickpockets, I'd have no sex at all."

"I saved a girl from being attacked last night. I controlled myself."

"A girls phoned me the other day and said "Come on over, there's nobody home. I went over. Nobody was home."

"I'm at the age where food has taken the place of sex in my life. In fact, I've just had a mirror put over my kitchen table."

"I'm taking Viagra and drinking prune juice-- I don't know if I'm coming or going."

Groucho Marx

"Behind every successful man is a woman. Behind her is his wife."

"Women should be obscene and not heard."

"A man is only as old as the woman he feels."

"Why was I with her? She reminds me of you. In fact, she reminds me more of you than you do."

"Man does not control his own fate. The women in his life do that for him."

"Marriage is a wonderful institution . . . but who wants to live in an institution?"

"I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury."

"Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot."

Woody Allen

"Sex without love is an empty experience, but as far as empty experiences go, it's one of the best."

"I'm such a good lover because I practice a lot on my own."

"I sold the memoirs of my sex life to a publisher-- they're going to make a board game out of it."

"Don't knock masturbation-- it's sex with someone I love"

"The difference between sex and death is that with death you can do it alone and no one is going to make fun of you"

"My success has allowed me to strike out with a higher class of women"

"A Bay Area Bisexual' told me I didn't quite coincide with either of her desires."

"The last time I was a woman was when I was inside the Statue of Liberty"

"The difference between sex and death is that with death you can do it alone and no one is going to make fun of you"

"Bisexuality immediately doubles your chances for a date on a Saturday night"

"Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons"

Henny Youngman

"Why do Jewish divorces cost so much? Because they're worth it."

"She's been married so many times she has rice marks on her face."