Please join us and share this invitation especially with young people. These are memories of a dark phase in Philippine history. We have learned to forgive but we should not forget so that history does not repeat itself!
BOOK TALK and SIGNING "We Were There, Too, Uncle: Stories of the Civilian Prisoners of the Japanese in the Philippines During WWII"
By Sasha Jansen and Angus Lorenzen, Co-editors
Saturday, June 30, 2018 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Philippine Expressions Bookshop
479 West Sixth St, Suite 105, San Pedro, CA
Free and Open to the Public Limited Seats.
RSVP Requested (310) 514-9139 (310) 548-8148 Voice Mail
Email: info@philippinebookshop.com
Listen to Angus Lorenzen's recollections of his life in a Japanese prison camp through the eyes of a child. He was a seven year old boy when he, his Mom and sister were interned in Santo Tomas, UST Campus. He went through the inferno that was the battle of Manila. He came out from the interment at age 10, thoroughly traumatized.
Why the strange title? “We Were There Too, Uncle!”
This book is a reminder to many people who think that only Japanese civilians were held in internment camps by America. We should remember that the Japanese in East Asia held almost 14,000 American civilians, and over 100,000 Allied civilians, under far worse conditions. The book reminds us that the American government, despite large bonuses to Japanese-Americans (and also Japanese- Americans who returned to Japan after the war), have not recognized the American-civilians held as prisoners by the Japanese. The internment of Americans and Allies really was dramatic and devastating. Of 13,996 Americans held by Japan, 992 died, and 544 disappeared without accountability. This book includes personal stories by other internees and history of what happened in the Philippine internment camps. It includes important articles, interesting materials, and old disturbing pictures. Please Remember...
After the Liberation of Manila and the Santo Tomas internees were released, Lorenzen and his parents returned to their home in China where his father had been a business executive. In 1947, the family left China to escape the Communist invasion and settled in California. He holds a degree in Engineering from UC-Berkeley and an MBA. He retired as Vice-President of an international engineering firm and has been active in ex-prisoner of war activities. He is head of BACEPOW which stands for Bay Area Civilian Ex-Prisoners of War. Website: http://www.bacepow.net and he also edits their Newsletter called "Beyond the Wire". He and wife Gail live in Rancho Palo Verdes, California. Lorenzen's first book "A Lovely Little War: Life in a Japanese Prison Camp Through the Eyes of a Child" which was released in 2008 will also be available for sale during this event, together with his current book, "We Were There Too, Uncle"
If you will be unable to attend, the Bookshop accepts orders for the books. For autographed copies, prepaid orders must be received by June 28th. Send orders to Linda Nietes : info@philippinebookshop.com or call 310-514-9139. Philippine Expressions Bookshop holds regular Book Talks as part of their community outreach program and to create greater awareness for the Filipino presence in America. If you wish to be included in the e.blasts for Events, please email Linda Nietes with no other message except MAILING LIST. Also, please share this Invitation. Thanks!