Mary Kurihara appeared before the Commission on behalf of her husband, Albert Kurihara, a 78-year-old Hawaiian-born Nisei who had just suffered a stroke. Determined to have his voice heard, Mary read his written testimony describing the pain of incarceration and the scars it left on his family.

• Hawaiian-Born, American Citizen: Albert emphasized he knew no other country but the U.S. and had no ties to Japan. Despite this, he lost everything when sent to camp.

• Memories of Camp: Recalled riding the bus to Poston, Arizona, imagining he might die in the desert. Before that, he stayed in the filthy horse stables at Santa Anita, which “stunk like hell.” Later forced into grueling farm labor harvesting sugar beets.

• After Camp: Faced hostility and rejection as a suspected “enemy.” Found it nearly impossible to secure steady work. Bitterly compared his treatment as a citizen to his younger brother’s sacrifice in the U.S. Army, where a severe combat injury left him blind in one eye.

• Family Stories: Remembered his cousin Joe, a World War I veteran, once joyful and patriotic, who returned from camp broken and embittered. Despite being an American citizen, Joe was eventually deported to Japan, a country he never knew.

• Anger and Betrayal: “A Jap is a Jap,” Albert recalled hearing — a phrase that fueled his lifelong anger. He struggled with wanting to serve his country even while feeling deeply betrayed by it.

• Call to Memory & Justice: Acknowledged no government repayment could undo the suffering, but insisted this must not excuse failing to apologize. Urged America to ensure future generations never forget.