During the afternoon a new video entitled, “In Their Own Words” will be shown featuring the “life experiences” of church members who endured the internment Camps during World War II. The First Presbyterian Church rejoices both in its proud history as the center of the Japanese-American community in the Pasadena area and its on-going ministry of providing a welcoming fellowship for a diversity of people.

The “In Their Own Words” video tells the story of over 100,000 Japanese-Americans who were removed from their homes and interned in camps spread across the western United States. The video reveals that many of those who as young people had their education cut short and their career preparation disrupted now view these challenges from a new perspective. The video features the experiences of Miki Kumamoto, Hank Hayashi, Jim Ishii, Toki Matsumoto, Helen Nakagawa, Jim & Miye Nishimoto, Henry Takamura, and Bill & Lili Yamamoto.   

The theme for this year’s Festival, “Renew, Reconnect and Restore – In God’s Blessing” broadly points to the living history of Japanese Americans, which the video features. This living history is a gift to residents of the Altadena/Pasadena area and is an opportunity for every one, but most especially families with children to learn about the history of their community.  Children’s games and food booths will open at 3 PM., a teriyaki chicken and beef dinner will be served throughout the afternoon and evening and the “In Their Own Words” video will be shown in the sanctuary.  The festivities will conclude with a Hula Dancing performance at 7 PM. Admission is free.