Book release honors Japanese American history, Placer County protectors during WWII

The community is invited to a special celebration marking the publication of "Still Standing Guard: Telling Our Stories," to be held Sunday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 6414 Brace Road in Loomis. Still Standing Guard: Telling Our Stories is the second book published by Sierra College Press documenting the experiences of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II and the lasting impact on Placer County's foothill communities. The new volume also honors local residents who served as "protectors" – caring for the farms, homes and personal property of their Japanese American neighbors during their forced removal between 1942 and 1945. The book represents the culmination of years of work by dedicated community volunteers and builds upon the first Still Standing Guard publication, released in 2002 to mark the 60th anniversary of Executive Order 9066. This new edition continues the vital work of preserving local oral histories and ensuring these stories are not forgotten. Copies of Still Standing Guard: Telling Our Stories will be available for purchase and pickup at the event. Members of the Still Standing Guard project team, along with individuals featured in the book, will be present for signings and conversation. "This book reflects the strength, compassion and interconnected history of our community," said Rebecca Gregg, retired Sierra College professor and Still Standing Guard member. "We invite them to join us and celebrate these stories and the people who lived them."