Senate Resolution 118 Recognizing the Events Surrounding the Restriction, Exclusion, and Internment of Individuals During WWII
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS: SENATE RESOLUTION 118SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF THE JAPANESE AMERICAN, GERMAN AMERICAN, AND ITALIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES IN RECOGNIZING A NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE RESTRICTION, EXCLUSION, AND INTERNMENT OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES DURING WORLD WAR II
Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I am submitting a resolution to support the goals of the Japanese American, German American and Italian American communities in recognizing a "National Day of Remembrance." This resolution will increase public awareness of the events surrounding the restriction, exclusion and internment of individuals and families during World War II.
On February 11, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the incarceration of over 120,000 Americans of Japanese, Italian and German ancestry. Not until 34 years lateron February 19, 1976was E.O. 9066 formally rescinded by President Gerald Ford.
Since then, Congress and Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Clinton have recognized the "fundamental violation of the basic civil liberties and constitutional rights" of individuals detained and interned under E.O. 9066. The Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians established by Congress under President Carter concluded that the decision to issue E.O. 9066 was shaped by "race prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership."
In the last half century, organizations, families and individuals all over the country have observed a day of remembrance on February 19 to educate others of the distinct experiences of Japanese, Italian, and German Americans during World War II. Congressional recognition of this "National Day of Remembrance" would assist in promoting dialogue and education of Americans on this very important event in our history.
We need to recognize and support the efforts to raise awareness of the experiences of interned Americans. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.