Museum presents legacy of Japanese soldiers

By Jessica Whitt Garner

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum will open the new special exhibition Courage and Compassion: The Japanese American World War II Experience on January 20.

Courage and Compassion chronicles the harrowing stories of Japanese Americans during and immediately after WWII, highlighting the U.S. government’s curtailing of their civil rights, the bravery of Japanese American soldiers who fought for the freedom of millions while being denied their own, and the integrity of Americans who stood up for their friends and neighbors. 

Courage and Compassion was created by Go For Broke National Education Center, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that aims to educate and inspire current and future generations through the virtue and valor of World War II American veterans of Japanese ancestry.

“The Museum is pleased to present Courage and Compassion, a stunning exhibition that tells the story of Japanese Americans’ experiences and bravery during World War II,” said Mary Pat Higgins, museum president and CEO. 

“The individuals who helped their neighbors by being Upstanders and the young Japanese American men who volunteered for the military to form the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team feature prominently in this important special exhibition and remain an inspiration to us all.”

“Go For Broke National Education Center is grateful for the opportunity to present to the Dallas community the legacy of the Japanese American soldiers of World War II and its relevance to today,” said Dr. Mitchell T. Maki, president and CEO of Go For Broke. 

“It is through partnerships, like with the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, that we can further share the Japanese American soldiers’ story not only as a great American story, but one that is firmly rooted in their strong sense of obligation to others and obligation to our country.”  

The exhibition runs through June 12. Visit dhhrm.org for information.