Letter One:    Student reflections on the school's assembly the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
                     Mr. Sears is the Principal of Washington School at this time.
 

[Text of the student's letter] Dec. 8, 1941 Assembly This morning we had a assembly in the hall.  Mr. Sears told us that if we have a different color face, it's alright because we're American Citizen.  We all should be American citizen. He read us a poem of prayer because in school or out side the school the people might not be friendly with the other people which as (Japanese people) cause the war is going to be.  When I heard Mr. Sears read that poem I was proud to be a American Citizen and (I am) I'll always be American citizen. This year is the second world war in many years if it goes on. When we were saluting the flag I was proud to salute the flag.  Some people were crying because they were proud to there country.     [Source: Ella Evanson Papers, University of Washington Manuscripts and Archives Division, Accession No. 2402]

 
 

Letter Two:    Student reflections on the eve of her incarceration.

March 24, 42

Dear Miss. Evanson,

Because of this situation, we are asked to leave this dear city of Seattle and its surroundings.  I am sure I will miss my teachers and Mr. Sears.  There was never a school like Washington School and I sure will miss it.  As for me, the one I will miss most will be you.  You have been very patient and kind throughout my work.  If the school I will attend next would have a teacher like you I will be only too glad.  When I am on my way my memories will flow back to the time I was attending this school, and the assemblies which were held in the hall.

Wherever I go I will be a loyal American.

Love,
[student]
7B1

[Source: Ella Evanson Papers, University of Washington Manuscripts and Archives Division, Accession No. 2402]
 

Points for Discussion:

• History of Japanese Americans in the US
• Racial classification of Japanese Americans along the West coast United States and British Columbia, Canada, prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor
• Schooling of Nisei, second generation Japanese, students in the United States and Seattle, in particular
• Proclamation of loyalty and citizenship at a time when Nikkei, Japanese residents and citizens, were considered disloyal
• Executive Order 9066

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