Relative to Japanese American concentration camps.
The resolution acknowledges the severe repercussions of EO9066, which left many Japanese Americans grappling with abandoned homes, disrupted careers, and lasting stigma. Additionally, it commemorates the bravery of Japanese American veterans who served during the war, reinforcing their loyalty despite the injustices their families faced. By establishing a formal Day of Remembrance, the bill promotes lessons learned from past injustices, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civil liberties for all communities in the U.S.
House Resolution No. 85, introduced by Assembly Member Muratsuchi, recognizes February 19, 2022, as a Day of Remembrance for those affected by the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II under Executive Order 9066. This executive order, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, led to the wrongful imprisonment of over 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry, resulting in significant personal and cultural losses. The resolution aims to raise public awareness of these historical injustices and encourage reflection on civil rights violations within the context of wartime actions.
Throughout the legislative process, some concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of the resolution in addressing the historical impact and the need for continued dialogue on racial injustices. Critics of historical commemorations often question their effectiveness in resolving lingering societal issues or advocate for broader legislative actions that ensure such patterns do not recur. Nonetheless, advocates see this resolution as a crucial step toward recognizing and rectifying past wrongdoings, thereby fostering a more inclusive historical narrative.