Deleting history or why preserving WWII stories still matters has suddenly become a very acute question.
Standing in Berlin’s Bebelplatz, site of the infamous Nazi book burnings in 1933, feeling the weight of history is inescapable. The square, with its haunting memorial of empty bookshelves, is a stark reminder of the dangers of erasing the past.
Standing by this monument during the annual conference organised by Liberation Route Europe, messages began popping up on my phone… All references to the Nisei soldiers of the 100th Bn/442nd RCT were being removed from Pentagon and other government websites. The eerie parallel was impossible to ignore. In this very place where books were once fed to flames to control historical narratives, history was again under threat. This time not by fire, but by hitting the delete button.
The dangers of selective history
History is not just found in books, in museums or on websites. It is woven into the landscapes of battlefields and described in war diaries. It is written in government records as well as captured in the collective memory of communities.
The removal of minority military unit pages restricts access to history in a place where it should be readily available. Quite often, government websites are the first place to look for basic information on something that piqued your interest. Essentially, they are a conduit to further exploration of the stories of the 100th Bn/442nd RCT, Tuskegee Airmen, Code Talkers… However, their stories – once prominently documented – have disappeared from online spaces that should serve as repositories of national memory.
In 1930s Germany for example, selective erasure through the elimination of certain narratives were key tactics in reshaping national identity. Purpose of the “purge” was to fit an ideology that sought to erase the contributions and suffering of specific groups.
While the circumstances today are different, the consequences of such actions remain grave. When we allow history to be edited for the sake of convenience or ideology, we disregard the hard-earned lessons of the past.
Why history matters
The Nisei soldiers, many of whom fought while their families were unjustly incarcerated, embody a powerful contradiction in American history. They fought heroically for a country that had questioned their loyalty, ultimately becoming one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history.
Removing their stories from public access does not change the fact that they existed. However, it does make it harder for future generations to learn from them and to be inspired by them. It also disrespects the sacrifices made and the honours bestowed upon the Nisei.
Similarly, the stories of African American, Latino, and Native American servicemen and women who served despite facing discrimination are crucial to understanding the broader American experience. When their narratives are lost, we lose the ability to reflect on both the progress made and the injustices that still need to be addressed.
Preserving history
As our veterans will soon no longer be around to speak up for themselves, it is up to all of us to preserve their stories.
The most powerful antidote to the erasure of history is to travel. To go to places that lived under an ideology that wanted to rewrite history. To walk the battlefields and see the terrain that tested the Nisei’s courage. Most importantly though, to meet the people who still remember!
In towns across Italy, France and Germany where these soldiers once risked their lives for the liberation of others, local families across generations continue to express their gratitude. Survivors of an ideology that went to extreme lengths to expunge part of their history or even their very existence, they show unwavering respect for their liberators. Thankfully, there is no delete button for that…
Be part of it
History is only as strong as our commitment to remembering it. When elements of the past are erased, we are left with an incomplete picture—one that can be manipulated to serve contemporary agendas.
By actively preserving and engaging with historical narratives, we ensure that the sacrifices and achievements of all who served in WWII are never forgotten. Whether through visiting battlefields, supporting museums, or simply educating ourselves and others, we all have a role to play in safeguarding history for future generations.
Thank you Nora for sharing. This is one of many reasons for doing what I do to preserve the legacy of not only the Nisei but ALL who fought for freedom.
Nora, thank you so much for writing and sending this. I’m very upset with the removal of the 100th Battalion/442nd RCT history from the US Army website. Although it has been reposted to the website it’s frustrating and difficult to understand why these actions are being taken by the current administration. We need to continue to voice our opinions to assure that future generations will have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate history as it really is.