First Baptist Church of Austin
Respect People of Other Faiths
RECEIVED Mon., Dec. 26, 2011
Dear Editor:
Soon the people of Texas will be driving with new license plates on their cars, plates symbolizing the Christian faith. It tells me that officials who made the approval lacked respect and sensitivity to others of different faith.
History will recall that in late October 1944, in the height of World War II, the now famed Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion were ordered to rescue the Lost (141st) Texas Battalion trapped on all sides by German troops near Biffontaine, France. Tired and worn from previous days of combat, they slogged through freezing rain and mud, fighting their way to rescue the Texans. After five days and five nights of some of the fiercest combat ever seen, suffering more than 800 casualties, they rescued the 211 remaining Texans. For their gallantry, heroism, and sacrifices on this battlefield and many others, the Japanese-American soldiers became Americas most decorated men, garnering 21 Congressional Medals of Honor. I mention this because the vast majority of these men who served their country faithfully were of Buddhist faith. These Japanese-American soldiers fought to preserve Americans freedom, fought to bring justice for their families, and, yes, fought for the right to be respected for their faith.
Is it un-American to be not of Christian faith? Is it right to spend taxpayers money to promote our Christian faith? Many of us need to be reminded that America's greatness lies in the diversity of its people, people of different faith and color who
contribute to make all lives better. This symbol on a state license plate is an affront to those who made the supreme sacrifice for this country. It is an affront to my friends and relations of Buddhist faith. (Will you accept or tolerate a Star of David or a symbol of Buddha on a license plate?)
What all of us need to do is practice a little more respect for others, and have sensitivity too. Yes, I am a Christian of strong faith in God, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and have a love for my country and, yes, respect for people of other faiths.
Soon the people of Texas will be driving with new license plates on their cars, plates symbolizing the Christian faith. It tells me that officials who made the approval lacked respect and sensitivity to others of different faith.
History will recall that in late October 1944, in the height of World War II, the now famed Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion were ordered to rescue the Lost (141st) Texas Battalion trapped on all sides by German troops near Biffontaine, France. Tired and worn from previous days of combat, they slogged through freezing rain and mud, fighting their way to rescue the Texans. After five days and five nights of some of the fiercest combat ever seen, suffering more than 800 casualties, they rescued the 211 remaining Texans. For their gallantry, heroism, and sacrifices on this battlefield and many others, the Japanese-American soldiers became Americas most decorated men, garnering 21 Congressional Medals of Honor. I mention this because the vast majority of these men who served their country faithfully were of Buddhist faith. These Japanese-American soldiers fought to preserve Americans freedom, fought to bring justice for their families, and, yes, fought for the right to be respected for their faith.
Is it un-American to be not of Christian faith? Is it right to spend taxpayers money to promote our Christian faith? Many of us need to be reminded that America's greatness lies in the diversity of its people, people of different faith and color who
contribute to make all lives better. This symbol on a state license plate is an affront to those who made the supreme sacrifice for this country. It is an affront to my friends and relations of Buddhist faith. (Will you accept or tolerate a Star of David or a symbol of Buddha on a license plate?)
What all of us need to do is practice a little more respect for others, and have sensitivity too. Yes, I am a Christian of strong faith in God, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and have a love for my country and, yes, respect for people of other faiths.
Roy U. Ebihara
Oberlin, Ohio
Oberlin, Ohio
