WWII Veteran's Remarkable Journey: From Internment Camp to US State Department

On this Memorial Day, we remember Yukio Kawamoto, a Japanese-American who served his country in World War II while his parents were unjustly incarcerated. His story, told through archival footage and interviews with his children, highlights the complexities of war and identity. "He didn't have any choice in the matter," says Sherin Ferguson, Kawamoto's daughter, reflecting on his draft into the military. Kawamoto's post-war career as the first full-time Japanese interpreter at the US State Department demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his adopted country. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime and the enduring strength of the human spirit.