The Purple Heart
Page 44
Jonathan smiled and replied, “Well, my grandfather had to pull some strings, but the C-141 transport plane was delayed in Germany for a little bit.”
“Mmm… I’m still glad you made it,” said Aiko.
“I almost made it on time too, but I got lost in the White House. I was passing the doors to the Rose Garden when I saw my grandfather at the podium. Then I saw you next to your grandmother. I smiled at you, but I wasn’t sure if you saw me.”
“I guess I didn’t see you behind your grandfather. His speech was wonderful. We’re all so proud of my grandfather.”
“Is that him?” asked Jonathan as he looked at the white tombstone.
“Uh-huh,” replied Aiko.
Colonel Jonathan Matsuda of the U.S. Marines then stepped aside and stood at attention in front of the grave marker. He paused momentarily and in a simple gesture of reverence, saluted Sergeant Hiroshi Satoh with the respect that any soldier would give to another. He held his salute and then brought his hand back down and said, “It’s an honor Sir.”
The wind gently swirled around Aiko and Jonathan and then disappeared. It was quiet again as Jonathan turned back to Aiko and extended his arm to her. She smiled and was so moved by his simple act that she found herself blushing. She took his arm and together they gently walked away.
She looked up at him and with a grin said, “You know, I could never resist a man in uniform.”
The End
E P I L O G U E
The Purple Heart is a piece of historical fiction and that being the case, this story seeks to raise awareness of the Japanese American experience during World War II as they were imprisoned and bring to light the courage and heroism of the Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion.
As a piece of historical fiction, this story does try to represent the conditions endured by the Japanese American experience and where necessary, the story was adapted to achieve the goal of being a story about love and courage.
Despite having their constitutional rights taken away without due process and their families and loved ones imprisoned, when this country called on the Japanese American men to fight in World War II, about 4,500 young and courageous Japanese American men volunteered to perform their patriotic duty to this country. During their service, the 442nd earned 9,486 Purple Hearts alone and was the most decorated army regiment of its size. Let this be a lesson that patriotism is in the hearts of many men and women of different faces and this is what makes America great.
Through the story’s characters, a reader should be able to glean into the mindset of the Japanese Americans during a time of great suspicion toward the Japanese Americans, which can still affect any Asian American today living in America. But it also tries to open up the discussion of tolerance through dialogue between the Japanese and White characters.
But as I write this, I am disappointed in the news on the verdict that was handed down on the case of Private Danny Chen of New York, who joined the army at the tender age of 19 with the only intention to serve his patriotic duty. However, it is alleged that this young Asian American soldier was subjected to anti-Asian harassment that included, bullying, physical abuse, hazing and racial slurs. After six weeks of enduring this harassment, he took his own life and left a note scrawled on his arm, “Tell my parents I’m sorry.” Though the sergeant that was accused was found guilty on the lesser charges and not guilty on the more serious charge of negligent homicide, it brings to the forefront, is there still racial discrimination toward Asian Americans in the U.S Armed Forces?
It should be noted that I have the utmost respect for the U.S. Armed Forces, and that one case should not malign the entire military institution. However, if there are a few individuals who are guilty of anti-Asian harassment toward Asian American service men and women, they should be subjected to the fullest extent of the law and be dishonorably discharged. Our armed forces deserve better and so does our country.
This story also seeks to define what patriotism means, especially for an Asian American so that we can be a better country built on tolerance and understanding.
In the end, I hope you enjoyed this story of love and courage.
Thank you for reading.
Vincent Yee
L O V E D T H E P U R P L E H E A R T ?
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1) Go to facebook.com/thepurpleheartbook and LIKE the page
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3) Go to www.thepurpleheartbook.com and add your email to the listserve to find out the fun ways on how you can promote this important and missing chapter in American history.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vincent Yee was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Having worked in the corporate world for over a decade in various managerial roles, he rekindled his passion for Asian American issues and a dormant penchant for creative writing to begin a new chapter in his life by writing Asian American fiction, starting with his first book, The Purple Heart. Vincent Yee was a former National President for the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP). He’s also been known to create artistic culinary dishes for friends. He now lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.