08/28/2026
Visitors to ’s traveling exhibition “Courage and Compassion” at Morikami have been sharing times when they or someone they know demonstrated courage. Swipe to read a selection of the hundreds of responses.
Visit the Morikami in the final weekend of the exhibition to fill out your own courage tag! And experience stories of courage from Japanese Americans and fellow Americans who supported those Japanese Americans during and immediately after WWII. The exhibition is on view through Sunday, August 30.
Pictured:
1. "My father was with the 36th Infantry Div.'s lost Battalion. I would not be here if not for the 442nd"
2. "My friend Dora crossed the Rio Grande to take the first step to becoming an American citizen and making a better life for her son. They are both fully naturalized Americans today!"
3. "My uncle was a Navy man fighting overseas in the Vietnam War. Born in Hawaii, half Japanese, half Filipino, he told me that he 'fought those who looked like my brother, my family.' To experience that, being an American of Asian/ Pacific descent is courage defined. To known ones self and fight for freedom is a testament of COURAGE."
4. "My South Korean grandparents were forcedly brought by Japanese to Japan. Later, after WWII, they survived and lived in Russia (Japan lost their lands). It's for them, their courage and strength."
5. "My grandfather demonstrated incredible courage when he escaped N**i Germany. He left behind the only life he knew. He had to start again in a completely new country in South America. His bravery, resilience, and faith allowed all our to survive and rebuild. Because of him, I am here today."
6. "My Great Grandma lived on Kula, Maui, moved to Honolulu, Hawaii alone after receiving little to no help from her family after her parents passed at a young age. She initially worked as a nanny before joining the military to become a CW3. She obtained several properties in Honolulu and invested, obtaining financial freedom for her family."
