Not to diminish the loss of the Pope, who was certainly a great man, coincidently another great man died on April 2, 2005: Fred Korematsu.

Korematsu was one of many Japanese Americans who were ordered to be placed in internment camps during World War II. Korematsu defied the government and was eventually arrested and jailed. His case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, but he lost.

40 years later, evidence emerged that the government's evidence justifying widespread internment had been falisfied. Korematsu sued to have his name cleared and won after refusing to accept a pardon and settlement.

Beyond his role in this historic period, he was also a good citizen, acting as President of his local Lion's Club and supporting the Boy Scouts.

Here's a link to a news release.