Usually every morning I read our paper on-line. There are usually a couple stories that catch my eye and this one definitely did.
Kenichi Yamasita is a 62 year old Japanese man who is making a trek across the country via rollerblades to thank Americans. During World War II he said many helped him and he wanted to thank Americans for doing so. He started his journey in Santa Monica, CA and will hopefully end it in Provincetown, MA before his six-month visa expires.
His determination is inspiring and personally I can't imagine going across country via rollerblades. He stopped in Sedalia and people graciously took him in for a meal.
Sadly, a story such as this also makes me think of my grandpa who fought during World War II, who wouldn't even let a grain of rice in the house. He was a very opinionated man and never forgot the time he had to spend away from home and all that he had to fight for. I can understand his feelings but also it is extremely heartwarming to also understand Mr. Yamasita's life-long determination and for him to make a trip to America and give words of thanks.
I wonder if there will ever be people in years to come who will thank us for all our country has done to allow their lives to be different-only time will tell...
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