[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO KIYOSHI PATRICK OKURA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 1999

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kiyoshi Patrick Okura 
on the occasion of his 88th birthday and the 10-year anniversary of the 
Okura Mental Health Leadership Foundation. It is my great pleasure to 
count Pat as a personal friend, as well as one of the most esteemed 
members of the Japanese-American community.
  Mr. Speaker, Pat Okura is not one to rest on the accolades of his 
exceptional list of accomplishments and contributions. In fact, even at 
age 88, he continues to contribute enormously to those around him. But 
I would like to take time now, in honor of the celebration of himself 
and his successes, to commend his constant efforts to improve all the 
communities he has lived in, and his willingness to serve the public.
  Pat's leadership in the Asian American community, both local and 
national, has led to incredible gains in Asian American participation 
in Government. As the National President of the Japanese American 
Citizens League, Pat expanded the JACL's tradition of political 
engagement and brought the organization his message of empowerment. 
There are very few leaders who impress upon the younger members of a 
community the importance of engaging the political world as well as 
Pat. But when he shares his experiences as a Japanese American, his 
heartfelt encouragement and strength inspires youth with a remarkable 
motivation.
  Pat's dedication to his country and his community shows through in 
his more than 50-years of work for government and service 
organizations. Perhaps even more dramatic than his career and volunteer 
work, however, was Pat's firm commitment to this nation and his 
personal ideals when he was threatened with slander, racism, and 
ignorance.
  Early in his career, Pat distinguished himself as the first Japanese 
American to work for the City of Los Angeles' Civil Service Department. 
The leadership Pat displayed in his job was used against him, however, 
during the hysteria following the outbreak of the War in the Pacific. 
Despite his U.S. citizenship and years of working in public service, a 
writer from the Los Angeles Times falsely accused Pat of plotting 
espionage against the United States. Eventually Pat, his wife, their 
families, and thousands of other Japanese Americans, spent 9 months 
living in horse stables as internees at Santa Anita racetrack before 
being taken into internment camps.
  In spite of the injustices thrust upon he and his family during the 
War, Pat continued to demonstrate his steadfast desire to help other 
people, becoming a psychologist at Father Flanagan's Boys Homes in Boys 
Town, Nebraska--a position he held for seventeen years.
  Years later, Pat focused his leadership and compassion on winning 
reparations for the Japanese Americans arrested during World War II. 
Pat's efforts combined with other leaders in Asian American community 
and on all levels of government to win reparations and an apology to 
more than 120,000 Japanese Americans.
  Ten years ago, Pat and his wife Lily founded the Okura Mental Health 
Leadership Foundation. During the past decade, the Foundation has 
raised awareness for the very specific mental health issues in the 
Asian American community. Each year, the Foundation brings Asian 
Americans to Washington, D.C., to meet with health professionals and 
learn how to work with federal and state agencies to improve the health 
of their patients and community.
  Mr. Speaker, this Sunday at the Ft. Myer's Army Base Officer's Club 
in Arlington, Virginia, there will be a very special event in Pat's 
honor. Pat and Lily will be joined by many of the dozens of young men 
and women who have benefited from their time as Okura Fellows, as well 
as many other well-wishers, to celebrate Pat's 88th birthday and 
commemorate his many accomplishments. As a friend of Pat's it gives me 
great joy to add to their voices in commending him on his tireless 
efforts and his well-earned successes. He has been a true leader for so 
many generations and communities who will always owe their heartfelt 
gratitude for his life's work.

                          ____________________