— Photo by Kevin Miyazaki

George Mouri, 89

George Mouri passed away two days after the reunion at Heart Mountain. His son Roger answered these questions on his behalf.

How old was your father when he arrived at the camp?
My father arrived at camp at the age of 19 with his parents and siblings.

How long was he there?
He was there about 13 months.

What was his strongest memory from the camp? 
My father would do anything to get out of camp. He volunteered to work on the local beet farms. It was very hard work and very, very cold.

What did he do after he was released from the camp?
My father moved east for a civilian job, was investigated by the FBI to validate he was a loyal and trustworthy citizen and than drafted into the Army. He was assigned to the Military Intelligence Service to be an interpreter. After the war, he was assigned to Japan as an interpreter and became a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division. While on furlough, he married my mom.

How did he feel about Heart Mountain and that time in his life? 
Some of my aunts and uncles were left with bitter memories, especially those who spent their youth in camp. My dad never expressed such bitterness. He moved forward in his life to provide each of his sons and daughter opportunities that we enjoy today. I am thankful he left us with so many memories.