CAPAC Members, Speaker Pelosi Mark Day of Remembrance for WWII Japanese American Internment
1 Comments Published by admin on 14.2.07 at 14.2.07.
On Feb. 12, the House of Representatives was expected to pass H. Res. 122, which recognizes a National Day of Remembrance for the Japanese American Internment. February 19, 2007 marks 65 years since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which forced 120,000 Japanese American citizens and legal residents into internment camps during World War II solely based upon their Japanese descent. The resolution also recognizes that many German and Italian Americans experienced deprivations during this period as well.
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and other members of CAPAC introduced the resolution, and urge the support of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Also being considered on the House Floor today is H. Res. 109, a resolution introduced by Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20), recognizing the historical significance of the Pinedale Assembly Center in Fresno, CA, the reporting site for 4,823 Japanese Americans who were unjustly interned during World War II.
The following CAPAC members said:
Rep. Honda (CA-15): "I spent part of my childhood in Amache, an internment camp in southeast Colorado. For those who have experienced the internment camps firsthand, as I did, this Day of Remembrance serves as a day to educate the public about the lessons learned from the internment and provides an opportunity for all people to reflect on the importance of justice and civil liberties during times of uncertainty," said Congressman Honda. "True to the democratic process, our nation has been able to look back and admit errors from its past. I can think of no greater evidence to show why the United States, despite the challenges we face, still is looked to worldwide as the nation with the strongest and fairest form of government. We must always be vigilant in the protection of our civil liberties, and in this time of tension as we wage a war against terrorism, we must once again reaffirm our commitment to the principles in our Constitution."
Sen. Inouye (HI): "Our nation's mass incarceration of Americans of Japanese ancestry was shameful," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (HI). "But their response to the harsh treatment they received should be a source of pride for all Americans, as should our country's subsequent apology. With the Day of Remembrance, we learn from the past, and reaffirm our commitment to our nation's democratic ideals."
Sen. Akaka (HI): "America is a great nation, and as such, it is vital that we continue to learn from the darkest chapters of our history," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (HI). "I am proud to join my colleagues in commemorating this year's National Day of Remembrance to increase awareness of the severe injustices caused by the signing of Executive Order 9066. The internment of Japanese-Americans, German-Americans, and Italian-Americans during World War II will hold its place in history, but we must move forward together to ensure such tragedies do not continue nor prevail."
Rep. Bordallo (GU): "Sixty-five years ago, Americans of Japanese descent had their freedoms stripped and were forced to live as prisoners in the nation which they pledged their loyalty," said Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), Secretary of CAPAC. "Italian- and German Americans were also treated as enemies and were made to endure rigorous and unfair security practices. Memorializing their suffering in a National Day of Remembrance is a very important step to ensuring this reprehensible infringement of American citizenship never happens again. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 122."
Rep. Matsui (CA-05): "As we mark the Day of Remembrance, we recall Executive Order 9066 and our responsibility to ensure that it never happens again. Sadly, this was an avoidable consequence of racial prejudice and wartime hysteria. It is imperative that we learn the lesson this moment in history has taught us," stated Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05). "That is why I applaud the creation of a grant program to preserve the internment camps where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II. These camps are the physical - tangible - representation of our government's failure to protect the Constitutional right of every American, as well as a symbol of our nation's ability to acknowledge our mistakes."
Rep. Hirono (HI-02): "By observing this Day of Remembrance, we say to the Nation and our fellow citizens that America can never forget this horrible tragedy," said Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-02). "While it directly affected one segment of our population, the ramifications to all Americans are profound and no less relevant today as we wage war in Iraq. The constitutional rights of all Americans are in jeopardy if any group of citizens can be persecuted without legal justification. We must all stand vigilant and alert for any attempt by any group, whether a small power clique or the majority of Americans, to overstep the bounds of the law for momentary expediency or even for claims of national security during war."
Statement by Speaker Nancy Pelosi H.Res 122 - National Day of Remembrance 65th Anniversary of the Signing of Executive Order 9066 Monday, February 12, 2007
To live up to the principles on which this great nation was founded, we must stand for freedom for all Americans, in wartime and in times of peace.
On February 19, 1942, Executive Order 9066 was signed, ushering in one of the darkest periods in our nation's history. During World War II, more than 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent were removed from their homes and placed in internment camps. Under baseless fears of Japanese Americans disloyalty, families were ripped apart and entire communities uprooted.
History has shown that this action, as well as restrictions on Americans of German and Italian ancestry, was not only wrong, but also indefensible. The National Day of Remembrance is an opportunity to learn from the lessons of our past as we work for a better future. I join Representatives Honda, Becerra, Wu, Scott, Abercrombie, Matsui, Bordallo, Hirono, and many of our colleagues for a National Day of Remembrance on February 19.
In these difficult times of war, as we face the threat of terrorism, the lessons of that dark chapter are especially relevant today. As we protect and defend the American people, we must protect and defend the Constitution and the civil liberties that define our democracy.
I join my colleagues, especially the Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, who fight for justice and equality every day, to ensure that history is never repeated again.
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and other members of CAPAC introduced the resolution, and urge the support of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Also being considered on the House Floor today is H. Res. 109, a resolution introduced by Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20), recognizing the historical significance of the Pinedale Assembly Center in Fresno, CA, the reporting site for 4,823 Japanese Americans who were unjustly interned during World War II.
The following CAPAC members said:
Rep. Honda (CA-15): "I spent part of my childhood in Amache, an internment camp in southeast Colorado. For those who have experienced the internment camps firsthand, as I did, this Day of Remembrance serves as a day to educate the public about the lessons learned from the internment and provides an opportunity for all people to reflect on the importance of justice and civil liberties during times of uncertainty," said Congressman Honda. "True to the democratic process, our nation has been able to look back and admit errors from its past. I can think of no greater evidence to show why the United States, despite the challenges we face, still is looked to worldwide as the nation with the strongest and fairest form of government. We must always be vigilant in the protection of our civil liberties, and in this time of tension as we wage a war against terrorism, we must once again reaffirm our commitment to the principles in our Constitution."
Sen. Inouye (HI): "Our nation's mass incarceration of Americans of Japanese ancestry was shameful," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (HI). "But their response to the harsh treatment they received should be a source of pride for all Americans, as should our country's subsequent apology. With the Day of Remembrance, we learn from the past, and reaffirm our commitment to our nation's democratic ideals."
Sen. Akaka (HI): "America is a great nation, and as such, it is vital that we continue to learn from the darkest chapters of our history," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (HI). "I am proud to join my colleagues in commemorating this year's National Day of Remembrance to increase awareness of the severe injustices caused by the signing of Executive Order 9066. The internment of Japanese-Americans, German-Americans, and Italian-Americans during World War II will hold its place in history, but we must move forward together to ensure such tragedies do not continue nor prevail."
Rep. Bordallo (GU): "Sixty-five years ago, Americans of Japanese descent had their freedoms stripped and were forced to live as prisoners in the nation which they pledged their loyalty," said Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), Secretary of CAPAC. "Italian- and German Americans were also treated as enemies and were made to endure rigorous and unfair security practices. Memorializing their suffering in a National Day of Remembrance is a very important step to ensuring this reprehensible infringement of American citizenship never happens again. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 122."
Rep. Matsui (CA-05): "As we mark the Day of Remembrance, we recall Executive Order 9066 and our responsibility to ensure that it never happens again. Sadly, this was an avoidable consequence of racial prejudice and wartime hysteria. It is imperative that we learn the lesson this moment in history has taught us," stated Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05). "That is why I applaud the creation of a grant program to preserve the internment camps where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II. These camps are the physical - tangible - representation of our government's failure to protect the Constitutional right of every American, as well as a symbol of our nation's ability to acknowledge our mistakes."
Rep. Hirono (HI-02): "By observing this Day of Remembrance, we say to the Nation and our fellow citizens that America can never forget this horrible tragedy," said Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-02). "While it directly affected one segment of our population, the ramifications to all Americans are profound and no less relevant today as we wage war in Iraq. The constitutional rights of all Americans are in jeopardy if any group of citizens can be persecuted without legal justification. We must all stand vigilant and alert for any attempt by any group, whether a small power clique or the majority of Americans, to overstep the bounds of the law for momentary expediency or even for claims of national security during war."
Statement by Speaker Nancy Pelosi H.Res 122 - National Day of Remembrance 65th Anniversary of the Signing of Executive Order 9066 Monday, February 12, 2007
To live up to the principles on which this great nation was founded, we must stand for freedom for all Americans, in wartime and in times of peace.
On February 19, 1942, Executive Order 9066 was signed, ushering in one of the darkest periods in our nation's history. During World War II, more than 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent were removed from their homes and placed in internment camps. Under baseless fears of Japanese Americans disloyalty, families were ripped apart and entire communities uprooted.
History has shown that this action, as well as restrictions on Americans of German and Italian ancestry, was not only wrong, but also indefensible. The National Day of Remembrance is an opportunity to learn from the lessons of our past as we work for a better future. I join Representatives Honda, Becerra, Wu, Scott, Abercrombie, Matsui, Bordallo, Hirono, and many of our colleagues for a National Day of Remembrance on February 19.
In these difficult times of war, as we face the threat of terrorism, the lessons of that dark chapter are especially relevant today. As we protect and defend the American people, we must protect and defend the Constitution and the civil liberties that define our democracy.
I join my colleagues, especially the Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, who fight for justice and equality every day, to ensure that history is never repeated again.
Clifford I. Uyeda Peace & Humanitarian Award to be presented to Samina F. Sundas
0 Comments Published by admin on 13.2.07 at 13.2.07.
As a part of this year's Day of Remembrance program, taking place on Saturday, February 17th, Samina F. Sundas, executive director of American Muslim Voice, will be receiving the Clifford I. Uyeda Peace and Humanitarian Award. The Bay Area Day of Remembrance Consortium will present the award to her at its annual commemoration of the World War II internment of Japanese Americans - its lessons and legacy, especially in the current post-9/11 era -- as America finds itself in the midst of another war.In addition to a program of cultural presentations, films and candle lighting ceremony, the 2007 Clifford I, Uyeda Peace and Humanitarian Award will be presented to Samina F. Sundas by the Consortium in recognition of her courageous leadership and personal dedication to the principles of peace and social justice, particularly in the post 9/11 period.
Ms. Sundas' advocacy on behalf of Muslim, Arab and South Asian Americans and others targeted as "the enemy" following 9/11, and her heart-felt efforts to promote friendship and mutual respect among diverse communities are deeply appreciated by the Consortium. The proud mother of two young adults, Misbah and Saqib, Ms. Sundas, is the founding executive director of the American Muslim Voice, and co-founder of Fear To Friendship, a group dedicated to promoting cross-cultural friendship and education following 9/11. She is also the founder of the "Global Peace Partners," a partnership between American Muslim Voice, Global Peace Partners and Peace Alliance.
American Muslim Voice was established in July 2003 as a grassroots, nonviolent, inclusive, civil, immigrant and human rights organization building alliances and genuine partnerships with like-minded groups and individuals to protect and preserve civil liberties and constitutional rights for ALL. Its goal is to bridge the gap between all communities and unite us all under the umbrella of our common humanity.
History of the Clifford Uyeda Award
The award was established three years ago by the Bay Area Day of Remembrance Consortium, to remember the legacy of the late Clifford I. Uyeda, a longtime civil rights and human rights leader whose life championed the civil and human rights of Japanese Americans, Chinese Americans, and others.
As the president of the National Japanese American Citizens League during the 1980s, Uyeda provided critical leadership in campaign to educate the nation about the World War II internment of over 120,000 persons of Japanese Americans; and worked for an official apology and the passage of redress and reparations bills in Congress.
As a founder of the National Japanese American Historical Society, Uyeda spearheaded a number of educational and advocacy projects regarding the history of Japanese Americans and their contributions to American democracy. Looking beyond the boundaries of ethnicity and race, Uyeda courageously spoke out and acted upon a variety of social justice and human rights issues, including Japan's war crimes in China, Korea and other nations during World War II.
He was a co-founder and co-chair of the Rape of Nanking Redress Coalition and continued to do education and advocacy on this and other issues throughout his life. The first recipient of the Award was Congressman Mike Honda in 2005; the second, Art Shibayama, Japanese Latin American redress activist, in 2006.
The Bay Area Day of Remembrance Consortium released its flyer for the 2007 Day of Remembrance. Click here to download a PDF.
Sixty-five years ago, on February 19, 1942, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, setting into motion the exclusion, removal, detainment and incarceration of over 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II.
After World War II, Japanese Americans perservered in rebuilding Japantowns, struggled for redress, and helped to shape the nation's concept of democracy and constitutional rights. DOR is a time to cherish that history, hear untold stories, and reaffirm our commitment to unfinished redress issues and current civil liberties challenges in the post-9/11 period.
See event details in the sidebar to the right.
Andy Noguchi, Civil Rights Committee co-chair of the JACL Northern California Western Nevada Pacific district, shared information about other remembrance events taking place:
"Our NCWNP District has a strong history of commemorating the lessons of Executive Order 9066 through Time of Remembrance Programs," wrote Andy. "Many Chapters from Honlulu to Stockton to San Jose are participating in meaningful events throughout our territory. Please support them."
January 16 – March 16, 2007: Japanese American Internment Exhibit, Award-winning exhibit visited by over 6,000 N. California students. Co-sponsored by Lodi, Marysville, Placer County, Sacramento, & Florin JACL. California State Museum 10th & O. Streets, Sacramento.
February 18, 2007: South Bay Time of Remembrance: In Good Conscience. Author Shizue Seigel. 5:30 pm San Jose Buddhist Church 640 N. 5th Street.
February 19, 2007 – Hawai’i/Honolulu JACL’s DOR, University of Hawai’i School of Architecture Auditorium, 2410 Campus Road, Room 205, 3:30 p.m. Featured will be youth member Taylour Chang’s documentary, “Unrecht: An Untold Chapter of Hawaii’s Past.” Representatives from the Muslim American community in Hawai’i will also speak.
February 24, 2007 – Stockton JACL DOR, Stockton Buddhist Church, 2820 Shimizu
Drive, Stockton: Keynote speaker Shizue Siegal speaking on those who assisted JAs during WW II. Lunch provided. Free admission.
March 18, 2007 – Cats of Mirikitani Premier – An award-winning film about 81 year old artist Jimmy Mirikitani’s journey from Tule Lake, to Hiroshima, to homelessness, to 9/11. (N. Calif.Time of Remembrance – Placer, Sacramento, Marysville, Lodi, and Florin JACL Chapters), 2 pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, Sacramento, $15 Gen Admission, $10 Students under 18. 12 noon buffet reception with Mirkitani & producer Linda Hattendorf. (150 people limit) $50. www.thecatsofmirikitani.com
"Our NCWNP District has a strong history of commemorating the lessons of Executive Order 9066 through Time of Remembrance Programs," wrote Andy. "Many Chapters from Honlulu to Stockton to San Jose are participating in meaningful events throughout our territory. Please support them."
January 16 – March 16, 2007: Japanese American Internment Exhibit, Award-winning exhibit visited by over 6,000 N. California students. Co-sponsored by Lodi, Marysville, Placer County, Sacramento, & Florin JACL. California State Museum 10th & O. Streets, Sacramento.
February 18, 2007: South Bay Time of Remembrance: In Good Conscience. Author Shizue Seigel. 5:30 pm San Jose Buddhist Church 640 N. 5th Street.
February 19, 2007 – Hawai’i/Honolulu JACL’s DOR, University of Hawai’i School of Architecture Auditorium, 2410 Campus Road, Room 205, 3:30 p.m. Featured will be youth member Taylour Chang’s documentary, “Unrecht: An Untold Chapter of Hawaii’s Past.” Representatives from the Muslim American community in Hawai’i will also speak.
February 24, 2007 – Stockton JACL DOR, Stockton Buddhist Church, 2820 Shimizu
Drive, Stockton: Keynote speaker Shizue Siegal speaking on those who assisted JAs during WW II. Lunch provided. Free admission.
March 18, 2007 – Cats of Mirikitani Premier – An award-winning film about 81 year old artist Jimmy Mirikitani’s journey from Tule Lake, to Hiroshima, to homelessness, to 9/11. (N. Calif.Time of Remembrance – Placer, Sacramento, Marysville, Lodi, and Florin JACL Chapters), 2 pm Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street, Sacramento, $15 Gen Admission, $10 Students under 18. 12 noon buffet reception with Mirkitani & producer Linda Hattendorf. (150 people limit) $50. www.thecatsofmirikitani.com
