Japanese-American veteran receives a hero's welcome in French village he helped liberate | ABC7
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- Опубликовано: 16 июн 2024
- Japanese-American veteran receives a hero's welcome in French village he helped liberate in World War II. In the years following World War II, Japanese-American veteran Lawson Sakai was welcomed as a hero in the French village of Bruyères, which he helped liberate. For more details: abc7.com/society/faceism-japa...
The Japanese Americans that fought for us are amongst our greatest heros. God bless the Purple Heart Brigade.
known as the most elite unit in the history of the US army Hooah!
Two enemies at once-the Germans and racial prejudice.
I do not know what unit, but my great uncle fought for the US as the rest of his family was sent to the internment camps. He was the youngest and only boy of 12 siblings.
Most people from that generation never talked about their time or how they were treated right after the war. I had to learn about it in books from the library.
But I am so very proud of my great uncle and my family for surviving through the conditions of the camps.
@@threestrikesmarxman9095 and sadly we lost the 2nd battle, the double V campaign should of been passed by congress at the time.
♥️💜🇺🇸
Amazing story. It's interesting that the French know about the 442nd and many Americans don't. My Dad served in the 442nd in Germany.
I read a lot about it, even the book 4-4-2
That's because teachers in america don't teach us about this
America doesn't care about Asians
Go for Broke! Our neighbosr were the Matsudaira family. John, a son, fought in the 442nd. He was wounded badly in Italy. Wonderful family and friends who were interned at Minadoka.
Says a lot about the US education system.
The French have never forgotten what the Allied forces did for them, and what they sacrificed. They continue to honour them, and they will never be forgotten. This is such an inspiring story
We sure didn't and never will forget
Not like the USA constantly doing French bashing, seems like most of them forgot who saved them from England.
Even after France rolled over for Germany. And then refused to let the British have their ships and forced them to be sunk. And then the French firing on thousands of American troops entering the war at Casablanca. France better be grateful we even let them have their country back
@@Geojr815 Literally everything you have said is wrong. Also America did not do this for France, only because it was attacked lmao.
@@atomic4650 huh? No it’s all true go ahead and look it up if you don’t believe me
To have your people locked up in concentration camps by your own government, to have your loyalty questioned, to face racism from your countrymen, and to yet answer the call to serve in the face of all this and fight valiantly. This is the response to injustice that wins the hearts and minds of a nation. I know several multi generational Japanese Americans and their families are some of the most patriotic that I have ever met. Dedicated to service, the public good, and the well being of the American people. I have nothing but profound respect and admiration for the Japanese Americans who served in World War 2. I am deeply sorry that our nation imprisoned their families during the war. It is a debt that cannot be repaid.
Unfortunately the Japanese weren’t the only the only group of Americans imprisoned in American concentration camps during WWII.
True patiots (:
The French are a class act for this. Historical appreciation a lot of his fellow Americans don't have. Much love from the United States.
I mean a lot of Americans don't forget the thing is the propaganda and leftist woke agenda sideswiped a lot of appreciation. The CIA and letter organizations gave a bad name to all veterans, but most of all I blame Eisenhower and Bissell Jr for assassinating JFK and many leaders throughout the world and playing God. That's why a lot of people are against the military-congressional-industrial complex, and rightfully so. That being said, WW2 was the most noble war in history, so they lose sight of that in the process. It's important to value a lot of perspectives on this, but the bottom line is the letter organizations still go pretty much unregulated. As a result, black ops operations have sprouted up throughout the world, including human trafficking, etc. Thus, there's no clear moral highground when it comes to the military in 2023 due to being controlled by an effective hegemony. There are and have been gangs in the military and a lot of secret organizations running amock, it's closer to a criminal syndicate the way things are run at the highest level than anything else. No different from the Biden administration.
😊💙🤍❤
im sure those in Paris have no recollection of this, nor do they care.
@@cedric182 You think an entire metropolis of people all think the same... or is that what you tell yourself so the thought process doesn't get too complicated?
@@cedric182 You reveal your own attitudes not theirs. That you would be uncaring and oblivious to this does not mean everyone would be. It is a sign of the ease of your life and upbringing
The French never forget. They are wonderful people.
I am from Normandy, it is very important to pay tribute to our allies who fell on our beaches and our soil, we will never forget and we will always take care of their graves.
You should definitely do the trip to understand the atmosphere of the cemetery and see what they have been through.
My Grandfather was a French Canadian that landed in Juno Our family tree dates back almost 1000 years And Normandie is where we were from Corbeau from Corbet And The first Norman King of England Domesday book And Bayeux Tapestry Grandfather said He was very emotional for 2 weeks around Normandie He loved France I seen a few vodeps on the grave sites And they are amazingly well kept filled with song birds it looks like Eden So thank you !
I just love the idea that people take care of their loved ones who died there and live far away
Thank You from my family, community & country. The Japanese-American warriors liberated Noble people.
Thank you
@@freakyflow are you from Quebec if you wants we can speak in private I’m French.
He did all of that while his people were in interment camps. The definition of a true American Hero. The problem with this country is we do not teach American History in our school systems. We only teach the parts that make us feel good.
Actually I was taught about this but I didn't care for it at first but then learning about the 442nd's reasons to fight they are true heroes who fought to get their relatives locked in Concentration Camps out.
The opposite actually, the left shames our history and always complain about how supposedly terrible this nation is and therefore it should be handed off to Democrat tyrants.
"The problem with this country is we do not teach American History in our school systems. We only teach the parts that make us feel good."
So when I learned it in school I was dreaming? I don't know where this misunderstanding came from.
I graduated high school in 1969, and believe me we barely touched on the subject of World War II. It is very sad that real American history was not taught, which includes the history of the Native Americans. I have always loved history and I learned more history after graduating then I did in school. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
We were taught about it and even some of the arguments on both sides. For instance a Japanese American living in Hawaii helped shelter a downed Japanese pilot on Pearl Harbor Day even after he killed a civilian. THIS is what disturbed US officials and weighed on the decision to seclude western Japanese Americans in camps. But there were so many in Hawaii that it was impractical. Nor were eastern Japanese Americans detained.
These men blazed a path for ALL Asian Americans which I am personally indebted too for all their sacrifices. I had the honor of knowing some of these veterans. Their stories of enduring racial prejudice from within the US Army are inspiring and saddening. True heroes who proved beyond a doubt that they were American patriots. As a first generation American I personally do not know if I could withstood what they went through. It is heartening that that the people they liberated recognize their sacrifices. The 442 will always be remembered!! God Bless them all!!
Thank you for sharing this. Bless these warriors.
Because you can never undo the past, all you can do is repair things for the future so that past errors are never repeated.. Asian-Americans today are the most industrious, prosperous, and highest achievers in today's USA. Mission accomplished.
God bless Asian American, who sacrificed for another nation. Thank you for sharing, a very touching to watch this programme.
@@demef758 yet they are still the population that isn't taken seriously at all by the american establishment. asian americans strive to prosper out of necessity, because they will be stepped on otherwise as they lack a proper support system in the united states. not to mention the us government always needs an enemy, nowadays a very notable country in the east, which has an effect on the treatment of asian americans whether they are part of the country or not, just look at how they are being treated in academia nowadays
we asians have been made well aware that we don't belong, that we are not wanted in the united states. nowadays people come to the US almost exclusively to make money, not for values of any sort.
@@rzt430it’s because Asians do not cry/complain like most ethnic groups…
France never ever forget the heroes... Either nationals or from allies who fought on its soil... Never...
I'm sure my uncles and father's cousin fought with these guys. I am so proud my relatives served. I am proud to be a 日系アメリカ人.
Thank You Sir!
Thank you
SIMPER FI
@@raymondsmith6797 Sir, it's SEMPER FI. But everyone makes mistakes.
@davegauvin7234 He simping for that fi
Truly inspirational story. RIP Lawson! Despite all the racism, prejudice and injustice they faced, they fought valiantly and courageously. These men are indeed patriots and heroes.
It was a democrat president back then who put their families in camps. And it's democrats who even today swear to continue to defy the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings, vow to continue their racist "affirmative action" which takes away opportunities and futures from so many Asian-Americans based on the color of their skin. What is it with this constant vile racism that democrats have against Asians?
They are, The 442nd was actually the most decorated military unit of all time which they unlikely soldiers with a dark background being the Interment camps back home which these men fought to end the Concentration Camps in the western states where their relatives were locked up.
@@CrossOfBayonne The US was and is such a rancid dive. Imagine how disgusted he would be to see all those Trumptard mask burning vegetables.
I live in Normandy and despite what some american politicians sometimes say : France remembers.
Perhaps the greatest allied nation with our USA. Without France, the USA would not exist as we never would have won our revolution without help from France. Our nations have taken a very similar path since the 1700's and I think the bond between France and the USA cannot be broken....even if we make fun of each other most times 😅When times get hard, we have each other's back.
The Statue of Liberty stands as a beacon and symbol of freedom for the world as the USA's greatest gift received, she also stands as a reminder of our nation's oldest friend in France and the values we share. Democracy, human rights, the rule of law, security, and prosperity
♥from the US. We also remember all that your nation has done for us. 🇫🇷 🇺🇸
Yes, the conservative ones.
These men were true American hero's, it's really very sad they never got the respect they deserve until recently. God bless these guys, and thanks for all they did for all of us!
This was truly beautiful. RIP. 🇯🇵 🇫🇷 🇺🇸
The 442 is NOT forgotten.
That town teaching their kids is just amazing the amount love and respect they show those men and upkeep of the graveyard.Also that shot of him saluting his friend in the graveyard was powerful
As a Japanese-American, the men of the 442nd are not only a source of inspiration, but also of pride. Whenever i questioned myself of being American enough because of my last name, i always remembered these men and what they did, and noticed that my last name, heritage, skin color or language i speak at home are what make me an american. We're all a big fruit salad of many different heritages, immigrants and natives. Thus my love of country and my actions as a countryman are what make me american. God bless these men, God bless all of our fallen.
Mr. Ono. Thank you for always being a great representative of the Japanese- American community. My late mother who was interned at Manzanar during WWII was a great fan of yours.
I was lucky enough to meet Lawson in October 2004 in Bruyeres, as well as a number of other 100/442 veterans. The people of Bruyeres and Biffontaine rolled out the red carpet for them. He was very eloquent and charismatic. I recorded an interview with him which I treasure.
I must have missed this when it aired and I'm in tears seeing it now. Because at 3:50 that's the grave of my mother's uncle. She and my family have made the trip to Epinal and Bruyeres a couple times over the years and they are always welcomed warmly. One of my uncles said it is sand from Normandy that they rub into the engraving on the cross to get the lettering to stand out. Unfortunately, I've never made the trip yet, but I swear someday I will and I'll finally meet the family I never had the chance to know. Go For Broke, ABC7.
This is a man who was a real hero, this is who we should be looking up to, a person who fought to defend freedom. Instead people idolize and worship celebrities like the Kardashians. Sad. 😢
Lawson what a good looking chap at 21 years old and 96 years old.
Thank you David Ono for introducing us to this Veteran and his story!!!
Bruyeres is a Sister City to Honolulu. I have been fortunate to have visited there with 442 veterans and hear their stories first hand.
WOW! He was born & raised in the city I currently live, Montebello CA. May he rest in peace.
I am speechless, humbled and thankful that such amazing men defended this nation!! RIP!!
Merci à tous ces soldats venus combattre et mourir pour la liberté. We will never forget.
They sure did their motto - "Go for Broke!" 187 went in and only 8 walked out.
Highest respect for their Courage, guts and Loyalty.
The 442nd is the most decorated regiment in the history of the US.Immense respect!❤
Native from Bruyères speaking. Thanks to make thoses glorious men be remembered. Deepest respect and love for each of them, we'll never forget them.
BTW, Bruyères isn't a village, but a (little) town, the meeting point of 3 walley, surrounded by about 10 economically depending villages. More or less the main city of an american rural county.
The fact they reenact that day, to every detail, is incredible.
As an Asian American, this gives me goosebumps. The Nissei and the Hawaiian Japanese really proved themselves because, like me, they were American. Bless you, Lawson-san.
I pray that we in the u.s. would turn from idolizing athletes/actors/musicians/etc and admire real heroes - men and women who courageously and selflessly sacrificed their lives for the good of others.
Go For Broke” was their motto. the 442nd Regimental Combat Team my grandfather also a WW2 veteran told me about them.
Thank you for this story. May this man Rest In Power, and that his spirit shall live on in the hearts of so many wonderful people. People like Mr. Sakai are links to history that needs to be remembered. The children must know about the 442 and Heart Mountain, Manzanar, Tule Lake, and all the other concentration camps that America put Japanese Americans on trains and sent to. Thank you Mr. Sakai. You spent your life in the greater service of humanity and an upmost model citizen of the world.
Why do u not me tonight Canada's Japanese internment camps? Tbey did exactly what the US did and no one ever mentions it...
Hats off to the soldiers of the 442nd, not just for their valor in the war but also for being able to put away the situations back home from their minds. It must be extremely difficult and heartbreaking for them to risk their lives for the same country that was holding their family members in internment camps because of what they were.
It's another disgraceful chapter in US history, unfortunately. As long as it's being taught to future generations, we can hope mistakes, such as that one, will never be repeated.
Men who showed great love and respect to a country who didn't do the same
I have seen interviews of internment victims who later grew up and had families. It's interesting that their kids are more angry about the camps than their parents who actually lived in them. They appeared philosophical about the whole thing. I think if they hadn't forgiven and moved on, the bitterness would have destroyed them. It's a good lesson in who forgiveness actually benefits.
Ojiisan is so strong as a 96 years old! Congratulations!
What a hero. Bless him to Heaven.
Thank you for sharing this, I'm crying as I'm watching.
Such a heartwarming and sad story. It's sad knowing that most of our Vets from that time era are getting less and less. Thank you for sharing this and his story.
This made me tear up...
Thank You Sir for Serving our Country of the United States of America.
From a Navy Veteran.
Imagine american youth taking the time to come out and honor soldiers like those French kids do. Wouldn't happen.
Thanks French citizens for honoring our WWII heroes.
American kids have never been occupied by a foreign power. Nor have their parents. Nobody was lining up and shooting people in the streets of America.
The 442nd are honorary Texans. They were joined to the 36th infantry from Oklahoma and Texas for that series of battles. They rescued a trapped group of Texans surrounded by the Germans.
Mr. Shig Doi part of 442nd, in Richmond CA, turned 103 last March ❤️
A lesson for Americans to learn. Too many people today do not know how horrible it was and the sacrifices made to fight fascism. I was fortunate to grow up in a family and time that had veterans who fought for the freedoms we enjoy. The threat to us now is real, not a abstract concept from the past. Thank you for your service.
@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?
What a MAN May he forever rest in peace thank you great sir for your service!
Mr. Sakai, you are such a hero! You make us so proud to be American. Thank you for your service. RIP, Sir.
@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?
@@edithbannerman4 I am fine, thank you. I trust you are well too. For me, each day is a blessing for which I am most grateful.
@@charliechan6827 Yeah I’m good thanks for asking, what’re you up to for the day?
Wow I have no words. Tears in my eyes. Rest in peace!
I am glad this channel was able to film this before his passing.
I (along with others) would have missed this part of history entirely!
This is the perfect way to preserve history. The way the villagers reenact one of the bravest moments in a time when the world went mad. We should all remember the bravest and most amazing moments of history and NEVER forget. We owe it to the greatest generation that has ever lived. For their sake, let us learn from the bloodiness of WW2 and never forget the greatest heroes that sacrificed their lives for a better future for the world.
Rest in Peace, sir. You are a member of an honorable unit that more than proved its mettle.
The United States was shortsighted and narrowminded in its treatment of Japanese-Americans, many of whom were born on this soil. I'm heartened the country has seen the error of its ways and celebrates the accomplishments, toughness and resiliency of this outstanding group of men. You helped win a war that saw Germany and Japan start as our firecrest enemies and have become some of our closest allies.
Thank you for helping defend this great land. You and your fellow soldiers will never be forgotten and will always be commemorated.
For those who served, we will remember. Never forget those who died to protect freedom.
...getting me all tearyeyed... rest in peace mister. Great story. Montebello on the map.
Ey! I live the town, its....not as bad....as it used to be.....but its home
I always do tell my American brethren how blessed and fortunate they are. I hope Americans constantly visit and revisit WW2 and all the other huge sacrifices that those who came before them paid. Words can never fully convey the trauma and sacrifice people like this paid. I am glad this French town, on their own, expresses their gratitude themselves. So sad he has passed away, hopefully he is now reunited with his long resting comrades and told them how grateful 'those they died freeing' are regarding their painful sacrifices. Rest well sir and GodBlessYou!
Thank you for your service
Thank you for your service Mr Lawson!
Thank you for sharing this story. Everyone should know about these heros.
WOW! Speachless. All I can say, Thank You for your service and all you did. Fly high Lawson! Much love ❤🇺🇸
This was emotional. Like i needed to watch this to learn valuable lessons of life
Inspiring. Bless the people of the village for being ever true.
God bless him. He blessed all of us.
Beautiful story. Thank you for telling it!
I went to many 442nd RCT reunions in Las Vegas and met Lawson Sakai many times. I used to go to Fox Company 442nd RCT Las Vegas reunions after my father who was the 1st Sergeant Fox Company passed away in December 2002. He told me stories about the 442nd RCT from when I was in grammar school until he passed away and it helped him deal with PTSD. I always thanked the veterans for their service to the US even if many of them had families in interment camp like our family which was in Manzanar Interment Camp.
That is a true hero…
Americans should be educated that their Japanese-descent countrymen were regarded as heroes
More of us than you think know brother, and we are forever in debt to them.
My father was a Lt with I company. I had the honor of meeting Lawson. When he described how it felt to be hit by hot schrapnel I then understand what Dad felt and experienced with that wound
Love you Lawson
The greatest generation. Respect, sir - RIP.
@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?
A true Japanese-American veteran, an American Hero. RIP sir.
In the US, we may all come from different ancestries, but we are bonded together as Americans. Thank you for your service Mr. Sakai, o7, and for being an All-American badass.
Oh, how I long for the first sentence of your Statement to be true, but unfortunately too many 'Americans' in this day and age would disagree. They're bolstered by those in Political Power who still embrace xenophobia, race hatred, and who literally want to re-fight The Civil War.
Thank you for your heroism
The best way to remember and honor history.
May that amazing gentleman finally rest in peace and may we all salute him.
Thank you for your service veterans of America 🇺🇸
What brave young men, rest in peace for the fallen
Thank you for your service. Heroes
A dashing hero indeed ❤
442nd! The most decorated Combat Unit in American Military history. GO FOR BROKE!!
Amazing story of heroism and gratitude. Makes me proud to be an Asian-American veteran of the US Army.
Reminds me of that photo of Korean tourists bowing on the ground to Ethiopian veterans who fought in the Korean War, a foreign war.
This is sad yet beautiful.
My father in law (USN WWII) really didn't talk until about 1995. I never asked him just waited & hoped he would talk, and when he realized that I too am a Navy vet that's when the stories came out. I feel truly fortunate to have heard not only his stories first hand but also those of my brothers father in law (USMC WWII). Unfortunately they have both passed on now we miss you Brownie & Norm. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!
Thank you to all who served and serve today. Truly.
442nd, Go for Broke, absolute legends.
We are so blessed to have had these brave Americans fighting for freedom across the seas.
Brave brave men who fought in WW2, all of them!!!!! They should never be forgotten!!!!!
Thank you France for continuing to care for our soldiers graves who fell on your soil. 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 ❤️
Thank you so much for your service and may your rest in peace ❤❤❤
A true hero
This made me cry. God bless the righteous! Both of my grandpas are PROUD WW2 vets too! USA
Incredible! Job well done sir:)
A great tribute David! My dad served with the MIS. Mentioned he was in New Guinea when we were growing up but our history classes told us only Japanese American soldiers were in Europe. He kept the secret because the government told them to. So humble and so patriotic! My dad was a real American Hero as were they all!!
The MIS deserve just as much as the 110th/442nd. Their composition was mainly of Nisei who had been educated in Japan prior to the war. So, they understood Japanese slang, abbreviations, and short-hand, which allowed them to translate all the intercepted messages. Non-MIS personnel could only read and translate proper, formal Japanese, never mind the regional dialects. So, MIS personnel also acted as interpreters between Japanese prisoners and their American captors. That's likely why your father was unable to speak much on it - the immense intelligence role of the MIS was likely classified at the time.
The tragic irony of the MIS was that the they and their were classed as "Enemy Aliens" while handling the most sensitive US military intelligence. Without them, the US would have been hamstrung. Thank you for sharing his courage!
Thank God for men like him❤
Thank you for this video.
We thank you for your 🩸
Incredible human. I cannot even imagine this kind of courage.
What a great, heartening story.
Thank you for this wonderful bit of unknown history.
Thanks for services from France 🇫🇷🇺🇲