Alice Hirai (cont'd) September 27, 2010 since she was a Girl Scout. • "I am a strong advocate for women, seniors, the disabled and civil rights," she said. "As an advocate, for years I have been involved with organizations to speak for those individuals who cannot speak for themselves." As part of her volunteer ;service, she makes •presentations on the history |of Japanese-Americans, iparticularly during World War II when those living along the West Coast were forced by the government to move into 10 internment camps for fear they might collaborate with the Japanese military. "Our only crime was that we looked like the enemy. Our government feared our loyalty to Japan and felt we may be a high risk for security," she said. At the time, Hirai was a baby, and her extended family was forced to move to Tanforan Horse Race Track in California while Topaz internment camp in Utah was being built. In 1945, at the age of 5, she and her family left Topaz and returned to San Francisco. "After the gates of all 10 camps were closed, each of the 120,313 internees were given $25 and most were left homeless," she said. "None of the 120,313 Japanese Americans were found to be guilty of any threat of spying nor any act of sabotage." Hirai said her culture does not want people to feel sorry for them. Rather, she said, they want to demonstrate the wonderful legacy their parents and that generation left behind — to work hard, get a good education, keep their heads high and live with dignity no matter how much others hated them. She said her Buddhist religion has helped her to cope with her challenges throughout the years. Her late husband helped build the Ogden Buddhist Temple, where she is a Taiko drummer. Hirai said the hard times have helped her become a stronger person and live with a positive attitude. "I am 70 and my main goal in life is to have fun and laugh, and also set an example for my children and grandchildren on how to live a positive life," she said. "I am a people person. I love to do for others. It gives me great satisfaction to know that I have made someone happy." Alice checks seniors' hearts and blood pressure at the Senior Center each month. Ahe formerly lived in Slaterville. 203