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TC JACL- Minnesota Connections: The WWII Military Intelligence Service Language School and the Building of a Japanese American Community
June 18, 2022 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
In 1942, the Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS) was moved to Minnesota. The school trained soldiers as Japanese linguists to support the US military in World War II. A unique institution, it became point of pride for Japanese Americans who faced discrimination before and in wartime and had a strong impact on the war’s outcome. Additionally, the MISLS contributed to the building of the Japanese American community that thrives in Minnesota today.
Due to the classified nature of their work, many of these stories are only now being told thanks to the descendants of these brave Minnesotans.
Join Kimmy Tanaka, Program Supervisor at Historic Fort Snelling at Bdote, for an in-person panel discussion with Matt Abe (Toshio William “Bill” Abe), Peggy Doi (Saburo Bill Doi), and Karen Tanaka Lucas (Walter Tanaka) – descendants of some of the graduates of the MISLS. What was it like for their parents during World War II? What was it like at the MISLS? Why did they choose Minnesota?
Attend this program in-person at the Minnesota History Center. Included with the price of admission.
Support for this program has been provided by the Marney and Conley Brooks Fund.