On December 7, 1941, “A day that will live in infamy,” the Japanese attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor. On that terrible day, 2,403 U. S. personnel and 129 Japanese personnel died. These actions catapulted the United States into World War II. In just one day, our country went from a time of relative peace to preparing for war. In just moments, everything changed for our country.
One of the terrible decisions made by the United States during the start of our involvement in World War II was to intern those of Japanese descent. U.S. citizens of Japanese heritage were removed from their homes and placed in internment camps, with no regards for their civil rights or due process. This decision was celebrated by many. Anger and fear filled the country as the war began. In recent years, the United States has acknowledged this tragedy and made restitution to as many survivors as possible.
One man, Bob Fletcher, did not agree with this decision by President Roosevelt and the authorities who carried out this internment. Bob Fletcher decided that he needed to do what he could to help his neighbors that had been taken from their homes. As a farmer in California, Bob wanted to help save the three farms of his neighbors. He helped to care for their land. He paid their mortgages and taxes while they were locked away.
These actions came at great cost to Bob Fletcher. He had to endure the snickers and harsh words of others in his community. He was accused of helping the Japanese. He thankfully survived a near-miss as a person shot at him from a distance. He was willing to do what he did for his neighbors, because it was the right thing to do.
As a people of faith, we are called to “seek justice and resist evil.” We often think that we cannot overcome the struggles we see. Bob Fletcher showed us that we can build a better world, by simply doing the right thing for our neighbors. Bob cared for the three farms surrounding his. He harvested the crops and returned the profits to the families after he paid their outstanding bills. When we care for our neighbors, we are helping to overcome the trials of this world with good.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
