Mary Matsuda Gruenwald was 17-years-old when she was taken with her family to her first assembly center. Like many Americans of Japanese ancestry, she spent time in an internment camp during World War II. Once freed, she eventually joined the cadet nurse corps. She wrote a book about her experience. 

While the internment experience left her feeling demeaned and like a non-person, it was her mother’s words that sustained and inspired Gruenwald. They are inspirational words for anyone experiencing challenges.     

“What kind of memories do you want to have of how we conducted ourselves with dignity and courage during this time of trial?”

(S-R archives photo)

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