Many years ago, something happened that changed lives forever. In a country far away, a war broke out, and because of it, families like mine faced something they never expected.

We lived here for years, citizens of this land, but because we looked like the people in the faraway country, we were mistrusted. They called us enemy aliens.

Laws were passed, and we lost many things. Cars, fishing boats, radios, and cameras were taken away. Life became smaller, constrained by new rules and fears.

Then came the day we were told to leave our homes. We could only take what we could carry. Everything else would be left behind forever.

We were sent to internment camps—lonely places surrounded by barbed wire and watchtowers. These camps became our new homes.

Life was hard—but we adapted. We planted gardens, built playgrounds, and found small joys amidst sadness. Our families said, 'Shikata ga nai,' meaning, 'It cannot be helped.'

Years passed. When the war ended, many families couldn’t return home—it had been sold or taken. But some rebuilt their lives, finding new places to call home.

It was a hard time to understand, but our parents and grandparents taught us resilience. They showed hope and courage, and we carried those lessons with us.

Today, we remember what happened so that it doesn’t happen again. Our story is one of hope and strength—a story about never forgetting where we come from.

Even in dark times, people can find strength. Together, we can learn, grow, and ensure our history lessons create a kinder future for everyone.