Some things are worth remembering if for no other reason than to avoid repeating them. Like Carol in the 10th grade. I learned so many things I will never repeat.

Oh well, that’s another story.

However, watching the presentation Barbara Berthiaume has been giving to anybody who will listen is one of those things worth hearing again. Barbara is a “Sansei,” meaning that her parents were “Nisei” or second-generation Japanese Americans.

Barbara has been giving her presentation for the past 25 years discussing her family’s background, particularly as it pertains to the incarceration of Japanese Americans in 1942.

In addition, Barbara tells the story of the 442nd Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. The regiment, including the 100th Infantry Battalion, was organized in March of 1943 and is best known as the most decorated unit in U.S. military history. As a fighting unit, it was composed almost entirely of second-generation Japanese American soldiers, “Nisei.”

If you have lived around here for more than 5 minutes and have regularly attended a Rotary Club meeting, a Dine and Discover program, a Pot Luck Dinner, or some other community event, you have probably seen Barbara’s presentation. She tells the story of the Japanese incarcerations where 110,000 Japanese Americans were shipped off to “internment” camps. Barbara’s parents were among 10,000 Japanese Americans in the Minidoka camp in Idaho. The Japanese Americans subjected to this treatment were like many other groups who have been easily identified and segregated based on how they look or act, irrespective of talents or values.

Barbara had an uncle who served in the 442nd who was the first American killed in the attack on Bruyeres in October of 1944. She has traveled to France to remember her uncle and meet the folks who have memorialized the 442nd and the battle. In addition, folks from Bruyeres have traveled to Port Ludlow to see Barbara and enjoy her community.

Barbara has been asked to record the presentation for history and has agreed to do so. Mike Downum of KOMO TV will be recording Barbara on Thursday, June 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Beach Club. It will be memorable on many levels. I know, you may have seen it before, however, I am telling you, at your age repetition is a benefit so do yourself a favor and be there!

Furthermore, on the subject of remembering, I hope you enjoyed all the flags flying over the Memorial Day weekend and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Members of the East Jefferson Rotary Club put up the flags for subscribers to our scholarship fund-raising program. I can confess that this year was one of the toughest because the unusual rain fostered growth of more weeds. We dug through the vegetation to find the PVC inserts located in the ground into which we put the flag poles. (Come on Ned, whine some more.)

Finally, I encourage you to remember Abe Lincoln’s description of tactful people. They are the folks who have the ability to describe others as they see themselves. It might be helpful to remember that when you drive by the folks creating the round-a-bouts out on SR 104!

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week!

ned@ptleader.com