Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett Members of the Polynesian Arts dancing group perform during the Fort Gordon Asian Pacific American Heritage program May 5 in Alexander Hall. During World War II, a suspicion of Americans of other cultures swept across the nation, and many Japanese-Americans were placed in relocation camps.

"We wanted to be regarded and treated as fellow Americans," said Kelly Kuwayama, the guest speaker at Tuesday's Asian Pacific American Heritage month program at Alexander Hall.

For some, joining the Army was their way of proving this, said Kuwayama, who will turn 91 next month and was part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II.

The unit was largely Asian-American in its makeup, and it was highly decorated. Its members received more than 9,400 Purple Heart Medals, 21 Medals of Honor and eight Presidential Citations. Kuwayama received a Bronze Star and a Silver Star among his medals.

The 442nd's motto was Go For Broke, and the Soldiers fought in Europe in Italy and France.

After the Soldiers returned from war, attitudes had not changed much. "I recall coming back after the Germans surrendered and trying to get a job," he said. "It was difficult."

Kuwayama, a native of New York City, graduated from Princeton University and received his master of business administration from Harvard Business School. He was U.S. General Manager for Nomura Securities and was an official of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

In addition to Kuwayama's short speech, other parts of Asian Pacific American culture were highlighted.

Members of Polynesian Arts performed dances from Hawaii and Tahiti, and Staff Sgt. James Kelly and Sgt. 1st Class Tomoji Shino performed martial arts routines while Sgt. 1st Class James Robinson narrated. The three are members of the 551st Signal Battalion.