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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Facing the Mountain summary
Daniel James Brown
Brief summary
'Facing the Mountain' is a powerful historical account of Japanese Americans who served in the U.S. Army during World War II while their families were unjustly interned in camps. It sheds light on their courage, resilience, and fight for justice.
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Facing the Mountain
Summary of key ideas
The Plight of Japanese-Americans During WWII
In Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown, we delve into the tumultuous period of World War II. The author brings to light the experiences of Japanese-Americans who served in the United States Military. These soldiers were also grappling with the fact that their families were held in internment camps back home.
The narrative begins with four young men - Fred Shiosaki, Kats Miho, Rudy Tokiwa, and Gordon Hirabayashi - and their struggle to reconcile their identities as both Japanese and American amidst a society that increasingly viewed them with suspicion and hostility after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.
Fighting on Two Fronts
The men joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit composed mainly of Japanese-Americans. Fighting with unmatched bravery and distinction in Europe, they sought to prove their loyalty to the United States. While they were battling on European battlefields, their loved ones were confined in internment camps back in America, a result of executive order 9066, which ordered all Japanese-Americans to be relocated and detained in internment camps.
This situation was further complicated by a difficult choice posed by the government's "loyalty questionnaire", which demanded Japanese-American internees either affirm loyalty to the United States or face the risk of returning to a ravaged post-war Japan they barely knew.
Sacrifice Amidst Prejudice
In Facing the Mountain, Brown vividly narrates the heroic endeavors of these young Nisei (second-generation Japanese-Americans). Their harrowing experiences, immense sacrifices, and exceptional heroism weren't enough to shield them from prejudice, and they continued to face discrimination. Yet, they fought on, ever loyal to a nation that had essentially disowned them.
Gordon Hirabayashi, unlike the other three, chose to challenge internment as a violation of constitutional rights, thereby performing his national duty in a different, no less brave, manner. His case went to the Supreme Court, and while he did not win, his stance was a determined assertion of the Japanese-American's rightful place in their country.
A Testament to Enduring Human Spirit
Towards the end of the book, the liberating power of such an uncompromising stand is evident. Hirabayashi's convictions would eventually be vindicated by a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. The 442nd Regiment became one of the most decorated units in American military history, embodying courage and commitment in the face of relentless adversity.
In conclusion, Facing the Mountain is a poignant story of personal courage and collective resilience. It provides an emotional and historical exploration of an often-overlooked aspect of American history, showcasing the sacrifices and challenges of Japanese-Americans during World War II. This is a narrative that goes beyond the battlefield and barbed wire, embracing the human capacity for loyalty, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
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What is Facing the Mountain about?
Facing the Mountain is a gripping account of Japanese-American soldiers who fought bravely for the United States during World War II while their families were unjustly interned. It sheds light on the hardships they endured, the discrimination they faced, and the resilience they displayed in the face of adversity. This powerful book brings their untold stories to the forefront and honors their sacrifice.
Who should read Facing the Mountain?
- History enthusiasts interested in World War II and Japanese-American internment
- Readers seeking stories of resilience, courage, and overcoming injustice
- Those curious about lesser-known stories of heroism during wartime
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