American Grit

<p><strong>American Grit</strong> is a compelling narrative about racial identity resilience and heroism. </p><p>In 2008 John Suzuki embarks on a poignant journey to <strong>Minidoka</strong> one of the ten former U.S. concentration camps authorized by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor where tens of thousands of American men women and children were incarcerated solely because of their race. Here he encounters a remarkable testament of bravery - an Honor Roll listing the names of Japanese American men who <em>volunteered</em> from Minidoka to enlist and fight in the U.S. Army while their families remained imprisoned by the U.S. Army. </p><p>Inspired by this unparalleled act of courage Suzuki sets out to tell the story of Shiro Kash Kashino a man who was incarcerated at Minidoka and later emerged as an American war hero in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the U.S. Army. Despite learning of Kash's death in 1997 the author remains undeterred and collaborating with Louise Kashino his beloved widow weaves an unforgettable tale of courage perseverance and love during a dark chapter in American history.</p><p><strong>American Grit</strong> is not just <strong>Shiro's</strong> story but is also a stark reminder of ruinous hardships endured by over 122000 victims of American concentration camps while celebrating their heroism during and after World War II. As Suzuki delves into this profound and transformative journey he invites readers to reflect on the importance of learning from our history to shape a better future. The book is a tribute to <strong>Shiro</strong> Louise and all of the heroes of the era whose stories of courage and resilience inspire us to honor the past by educating the future. </p>