Another Word on Reparations

In regard to the letter “Against Reparations to Japanese-Americans” by Ida C. Mapes of Northridge (Oct. 1), I’m getting weary of listening to those who wrap themselves in the American Flag and use patriotism as a rationalization for our every wrongdoing.

I was also of a mature age at that time. I was mature enough to have enlisted in the Canadian army in 1940 and transferred to the U.S. Army when my country called me to serve. I am a decorated veteran who participated in five campaigns from Normandy through Germany, and I lost a close family member on Anzio Beach.

In January of 1942 my entire unit was shipped to the West Coast from Georgia, ending up at the Pomona fairgrounds. I saw American citizens behind barbed wire, and I never again went near that compound. I was ashamed for what we did to those people.

I was born in New York City and if they had placed German-Americans in Yorkville and Italian-Americans in Harlem in relocation camps, half of the population of that city would have been behind barbed wire.

Our action at that time to American citizens regardless of ancestry was inexcusable and will remain a stain in our history, reparations or no reparations. It was the Japanese-Americans at that time. It could be you and I the next time.

MILTON L. DU BANE

Canoga Park