Rep. Tulsi Gabbard recently spoke on the House floor in recognition of the 76th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the incarceration of over 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry during World War II.
Rep. Gabbard said:
“Over 120,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated on American soil during World War II. On the annual Day of Remembrance, we’re reminded of the brave men, women, and children who lost everything. They lost their homes, their belongings, their businesses — keeping only what they could carry with them. But, their spirits were not broken. Countless stories of bravery, courage, and resilience defined an entire generation, including the Nisei-only “Go for Broke” 442nd Infantry Regiment, who became the most highly decorated unit in Army history.
“The anniversary of this shameful blight on our history remains a powerful reminder of the fragility of civil rights and the threat that prejudice, divisiveness, and bigotry continue to pose to our way of life today. We must follow in the footsteps of those Japanese Americans who volunteered to serve this country, even with their loved ones incarcerated on American soil, and find the light and love of the Aloha spirit to stand up and fight against intolerance, bigotry, and hatred.”
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Background: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is an original co-sponsor of both H. Res. 143 and H. Res. 338 to honor and celebrate the important historic contributions made by Americans of Japanese ancestry, and the Asian and Pacific American community during World War II and throughout history in Hawai‘i and across the United States.
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