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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © CEAyr
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY
“Greetings to all you boneheads in the Pacific, this is your number one enemy, your favorite playmate, Orphan Ann, with some good jive.”
Trembling, Iva put down her script and set the needle on the record. What choice did she have? She had to eat.
Stranded in Tokyo after a short trip to visit her aunt, she refused to renounce her US citizenship. Japanese customs repulsed her. She longed for hamburgers and Coca-Cola in her comfortable California home.
***
Thirty-two years, six of them in prison for treason, later, President Gerald Ford pardoned Iva Toguri D’aquino, also known as Tokyo Rose.
.
.
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Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
What a sad, sad story her life turned out to be. Truly heartbreaking.
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Dear Loré,
The more I learned about her, the more my heart broke. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That is so you, Rochelle – a historical tale with a difficult protagonist, told with great compassion
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Dear Neil,
I take that as a high compliment. Iva’s story made me weep in anger. It’s a challenging story to distill down to 100 words. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And yet you did it beautifully
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Thank you for giving me a smile in the numpty hours of morning. 😀
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I did not know the background to Tokyo Rose.
What you manage to convey in 100 words is a marvel and a mystery to me.
Astonishing piece of writing, I am in awe.
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Dear CE,
As I said above, you’ve given me a smile with my coffee.
I really didn’t know her story. Actually there were 20 women known as Tokyo Rose…this is the one they caught and used as a scapegoat. What an outrage!
At any rate, thank you for such a wonderful compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Poor girl. She really did have little choice. I doubt she did little to lower the morale of the U.S. troops. I gather they thought of it as rather a joke. It just showed how little the Japanese who assigned her to do that understood the minds of the American soldiers. Good story based on history, Rochelle. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
Her scripts were written by American POW’s. They tried to boost the morale of the US troops but that seemed to escape the American government. But then, these are the same people that brought us Japanese internment camps. Iva’s story is a sad one all the way around. The amazing thing is that she wasn’t bitter, at least not in the interview I watched from 1976.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for sharing that bit of history. The poor woman… I had no idea.
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Dear Bernadette,
This was one of those pieces of history I had to share once I read it. Boiling it down to 100 words was the biggest challenge. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My heart went out to Iva. Thank you for sharing her story – all too often such tragic stories are brushed under the carpet.
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Dear Dahlia,
My heart went out to her to. I’m surprised we can still walk on the carpet with all the things swept under it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed I have thought so very often – tilted and awkward wary steps 😉
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I’ve heard some of her broadcasts. “Hey Marines of the First and Fifth Divisions. We have a big surprise waiting for you on Iwo Jima, a warm welcome. Maybe as warm as the welcome your sweetheart has for your friend back home when she’s in his arms.” She had a unique way of getting under the skin of American servicemen, but she was also known to play the very best music and know a great deal about it. Well done.
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Dear J Hardy,
I don’t know about the other 19 women also dubbed as Tokyo Rose, but Iva and her script writers were trying to warn the US troops. Alas, not only did they go under Japanese radar, but under the American radar as well. Like the the speeder at the end of long line of speeders, Iva was the one they caught and made an example of.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve seen films of Iva. She’s so sweet that I can’t imagine her saying anything even vaguely hurtful.
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Many thanks Rochelle – I hadn’t been aware of Iva until now. A great piece of writing as well.
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Dear Iain,
I just learned about her myself. Happy to share. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How often have I heard the term Tokyo Rose, having no clue what it meant. Only you would dig and share your findings. Beautifully done, as per usual, Madame!
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Dear Dale
Actually until this past week, I didn’t realize there was more than one Tokyo Rose and none of them actually went by that name. The American GI’s came up with it. Those nugget are out there just waiting to be excavated. Condensing what I found into 100 words was the challenge. Thank you for such a wonderful comment/compliment. It’s great to have you back in the Friday Fictioneers Fold. 😀 😀 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve got the warm and fuzzies from all the “welcome backs”!
I had no idea either…
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Such a complex factual story line broken down into a hundred words and a picture. That’s how to teach history for me.
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Dear Mike,
It was a bit of a challenge to say what I wanted in 100 words. I’m pleased that it worked for you. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve heard the name before but had no idea it referred to a real person. Another one of your astonishing women from history, Rochelle! Whata terrible situation to be in – I’m so glad she was eventually pardoned. Great tale and thanks for sharing her story
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Dear Lynn,
I never knew about the person (or people as it turns out) behind the name. Although some of the others might have meant to lower the morale of the US GI’s I don’t believe that was ever Iva’s motives. I, too, am glad she was pardoned. But she lost so much. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such an impossible situation for her to be in – whatever she chose to do she would have lost so much. I dread to think how brave I could be under similar circumstances – not at all I fear. Always a pleasure to read your work Rochelle
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I always learn something new when I come to your site, Rochelle. I felt your pain in writing this tale. Heartbreaking story.
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Dear Sandra,
There are some bits of history that make me feel outraged. This is one of those. Glad it came through. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow – another 100 words and yet I’ve learned so much (again!)
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Dear Louise,
I’ll always take “wow” as a comment. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve often wondered how Tokyo Rose affected the men. And never wondered who she really was. Thanks for enlightening me.
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Dear Alicia,
I really didn’t know much about her until I Google ‘famous Japanese women.’ When I came up with Iva Tiguri I was intrigued. Who knew there were 20 women who comprised one “Tokyo Rose?” Her story touched me deeply and I had to share it. Thank you for reading.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is so sad… and how sad that her sarcasm and warnings where never understood… she really had no choice… love how you made me go looking for her story..
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Dear Björn,
I’m pleased that you took it upon yourself to dig deeper. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There were many others just like here, but she got punished the hardest. Years ago, when I still worked as a translator, I came across her story and it broke my heart. She lost so much.
Great writing Rochelle, great take on the photo prompt.
Have a great rest of the week.
Bridget
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Dear Bridget,
Iva’s story broke my heart as well. I can’t say enough. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Her’s was a sad story. You gave it some light.
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Dear Ted,
Always happy to shine a light in the dark corner when the opportunity arises. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Judging by all the comments here, you have done a service.
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I heard of Tokyo Rose but not her story. I will read up on her. Thanks for the story.
Lily
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Dear Lily,
Always happy to share those forgotten nuggets of history. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I didn’t know her story until clicking and reading more–thanks for sharing. Knowing more about her background gave me a deeper appreciation for your story. What an interesting woman who dealt with a lot of difficulty–how difficult to be misunderstood by so many and at such great cost.
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Dear Emily,
There was so much about her that needed to be shared. Way too much to cram into a 100 words. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story and interesting piece of history. It paints that particular “Tokyo Rose” in a whole new light – wrong place, wrong time.
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Dear Ali,
It seems that no one really knew the true story behind this lady. .I certainly didn’t. Happy to share. Definitely wrong place at the wrong time…and more than once. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Victoria Hanes,
Now, I’m longing for a cheeseburger and a Coca-Cola (or perhaps Royal Crown with peanuts poured in). Those Japanese were devious. I hear ISIS is working on something like this. They are going to call her Afghanistan Annie, but they haven’t figured out how to get her into the GIs iPads.
I have to go now,
Norman
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Dear Norman,
I suspect Afghanistan Annie will do whatever it takes to keep her head. GI iPads? They could call her Apple Annie.
Thank you for traipsing by. Please keep your tidy whities in tow.
Shalom,
Victoria Hanes
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A great reminder of what can happen to people when they are trying to survive conflict. Interesting piece Rochelle.
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Dear Lindy,
The sad thing for Iva was that she was told by her script writer, a POW, that she would not do anything against her country. My heart went out to her and I had to write the story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sometimes life does throw big punches at us, doesn’t it?
A remarkable woman indeed.
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Dear Chioma,
We do have to play the hand we’re dealt and it’s not always a Royal Flush. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The more I learn, the more ways I find for war to destroy not just lives but spirits. Good to hear she was eventually pardoned. It’s too easy to blame the little guy.
Evocative writing as ever, Rochelle. How does it feel to be a year into ‘retirement’?!
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Dear Jen,
What amazed me about Iva is that after what she went through, she wasn’t bitter. Amazing woman.
In answer to your question, being a year into retirement feels GREAT! I’m loving my life and don’t miss the stress of the job. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Really something new. Haven’t heard of Tokyo Rose. Great history, sad though it is. We often forget that our present stands on the foundations of the past, be they.good or bad!
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Dear Sabina,
I find it sad that Iva Tiguri was but one of 20 women dubbed Tokyo Rose and ended up paying the price. Thank you for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She was so strong… Such a hard life and awful circumstance. Thank you for telling her story
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Dear Laurie,
She endured a lot and never renounced her American citizenship. In the end she paid a high price for her loyalty. Color me outraged. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was one “wow” of a story that I didn’t know.
Thanks for punching it into an FF 100 word history bomb.
Randy.
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Dear Randy,
“Wow” is always nice to hear. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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she had no choice. she should be consider a victim as well.
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Dear Plaridel,
She was indeed a victim. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve heard of Tokyo Rose but didn’t know the background. Great story. I greatly appreciate reading it.
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Dear Sascha,
There’s so much history we don’t know. I only recently learned this piece. Happy to share. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So brave to tackle this story in 100 words. Great job I felt her resolve even though she had given into her role.
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Dear Cindy,
This was one of those stories that begged to be told. I wasn’t sure I could do it in 100 words or not. I’m pleased that it seems to work. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a story. Thanks for the link dear Rochelle. You wrote with your master touch, as usual. You sum up in just 100 words smoothly and beautifully. Now I’m going to read her full biography.Thanks again for the link. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
There are so many things that couldn’t be crammed into a 100 words. I’m pleased that you want to dig deeper. If you want to take the time, here’s an interview with the lady herself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rEEk6JP9vc Thank you for your sweet words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the link dear. I’ll watch that though It’s hard for me to follow accent well.
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What a difficult situation and tragic life.
I hadn’t realized that there was more than one “Tokyo Rose”.
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Dear Alice,
Tragic indeed. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reblogged this on MorgEn Bailey – Creative Writing Guru and commented:
As practice for entering my 100-word (free monthly) competition, you could have a go at this…
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Thank you for the reblog, Morgen,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very sad – poor woman, trapped by the war.
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Sad indeed, Liz. Outrageous as well.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well told, Rochelle. What choice did she have? That came across clearly in your story. She was trapped by a war she certainly had no control over. Fascinating story.
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Dear Amy,
Iva’s story angered me, but like her I’m helpless to do anything about it. I’m glad that she was, at least, pardoned. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a heartbreaking story. I must google it to learn more although I’m sure it’s going to make me feel sad!
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Dear Rashmi,
There’s a lot more out there about Iva Toguri. I also provided a link under her picture. It’s a sad story at best. She was amazing in that she didn’t seem to harbor any bitterness. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So much told, in so few words. I heard of Tokyo Rose but didn’t know the details. If we are not careful we are in danger of repeating our past mistakes.
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Dear MTO,
I think one of the lesser known thing about Tokyo Rose is that there was more than one. I agree. We are dangerously close to repeating history.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes that fact was quite interesting that there was more than one
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I am amazed by your historical knowledge – it seems endless! This is really fascinating.
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Dear Clare,
I don’t know about my historical knowledge, but I do find a lot out by starting with Google and following a trail. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting story. So many people get accused of collaboration when they have no choose. The recently late Hanoi Hannah on the other hand was a willing propagandist.
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Dear Patrick,
The Japanese internment camps in WW II are evidence of people being falsely accused. Hanoi Hannah? Different time, different war. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your story piqued my interest. I’m about to click away.
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Dear Dawn,
I’m smiling. A worthy click indeed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m sorry for being so late, I had an insane week. What another interesting piece of history you brought to us this week. The poor girl.
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Dear Gabriele,
Better late than never. 😉 Some weeks are like that. I hope it’s calming down for you. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating story. I had no idea about who she was – or I should say, who they were – although I’ve heard of Tokyo Rose. You’ve brought her to life in your story.
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Oh dear, accidentally used wrong week’s prompt. Should pay more attention!
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