総領事表彰授賞式での挨拶 2007年2月8日
在ヒューストン日本国総領事 加茂佳彦
Distinguished guests, dear friends! Did you enjoy this? Isn’t this remarkable?
I would like to thank all of you for your presence here to make this evening very special. And, of course, I would like to thank Shara Fryer, our guest of honor, for her role in shedding light on the great human story of the Japanese-American Regimental Combat Team during WWII. As you are all aware, her TV program entitled “In Focus: Unlikely Liberators” in which she interviewed some veterans of this legendary military unit won the 2006 Texas Emmy Award. Yes, her Emmy has brought us here to celebrate, appreciate and recognize her inspirational, professional and passionate work, revisiting one of the most touching episodes throughout American history.
The rescue of the lost battalion of Texas by the 442 RCT in a small French village in 1944 did not come cheaply. Out of 1500 men more than 800 fell in order to rescue 200 Texans. But it left a hard-won legacy to the Japanese-American. Their sacrifice at last liberated many Japanese-Americans from prejudices they suffered. It helped the United States to become more democratic, as it inspired Congress to amend the 1790 Naturalization Act in 1952 to the effect that the Japanese and other minorities for the first time could be granted naturalization. It inspired the subsequent civil rights movements, including the redress movement of the Japanese-Americans in the70s and 80s. And I am certain thatSandra Tanamachi was inspired, as well, in her struggle to rename a Jap Road.
Shara’s Award winning TV interview which you have just seen delivers a powerful statement of pride and honor. Despite the unjust treatment those2nd generation Japanese-American men and their families had to endure, they never lostpride in being American. They volunteered to fight for America to prove this. And of course they wanted to bring back pride and honor to their families. Shara brilliantly emancipated the untapped voices deep inside the veterans’ souls and helped them speak of themselves. It is a great and gracious accomplishment.
I understand that the Japanese-American Citizens League is in particular exulted by this Documentary Award as they are making an effort to secure the Japanese-American a due place in U.S. history for what they have done for America’s cause. Their hand-made, semi-documentary film called“Only the Brave” depicts brilliantly the excruciating battle of Bruyeres by the 442 in their attempt to rescue the Lost Battalion. RiceUniversity is going to host the showing of this film on the evening of February 23rd. So please do not miss it. I believe that Shara’s work is an important addition and contribution to this effort as well.
After hearing what I have said, some of you might suspect that I am from a Japanese-American family. Not really, butmy enthusiasm partly comes from the fact that Shara’s Emmy resulted from an incredible nexus of initiatives and goodwill. I am proud to say that I am part of it. The Japanese Consulate organized jointly with the HolocaustMuseum, Houston two exhibitions called “Unlikely Liberators” and “Righteous Gentile” back in 2005. The exhibitions not only drew a large number of people, but the veterans of the 442nd and other Japanese Americans came to Houston for their opening. Shara took advantage of that occasion to execute her interviews. On that evening, I threw a receptionin their honor to which Shara brought the former First Lady of Texas, Mrs. Nellie Connally. It is my pleasure to have her sons and their wives with us this evening.
Many of you know that Shara is an avid advocate of both the United States and Israel. Actually I met her for the first time at the residence of the Israeli Consul General when she spoke of her recent visits to Israel for filming her program on the Dead Sea scrolls.The good news is that she is also an avid Japan advocate. She more often than not volunteers to work as master of ceremonies and to cheer up our spirits at our important events like the Japan Festival held every April. She also served as MC at the Japan America Society’s gala dinner in honor of the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Tom Schieffer, held last November. Her presence gives the occasions more glamour and fun. The AwardI have just conferred upon her is my humble effort to duly express my appreciation for what she has done as a true friend of Japan and the Japanese people. Thank you Shara! Congratulations!!