Rep. Obernolte Japanese American World War II History Network bill passes House Natural Resources Committee

Press Release

H.R. 6434, a bill to protect the history of Japanese American internment during World War II authored by U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA), passed the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources on Wednesday and now awaits a vote on the House floor. The bill would create a Japanese American World War II History Network administered by the National Park Service to interconnect sites related to the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans across the country and to increase recognition of the human rights tragedy that occurred on U.S. soil during World War II.

"The tragic history of Japanese American internment during World War II is preserved in numerous sites across our country. It is a heartbreaking part of the life stories of the thousands who lost their liberties in the face of fear and uncertainty, and it is a part of this nation's history that must be told," said Rep. Obernolte. "The power of history is to gain perspective and learn from our past. By bringing transparency to the story of Japanese American internment, we can ensure such injustice never again occurs within our country."

Friends of Manzanar Chair Bruce Saito testified in support of H.R. 6434 during a February 3 hearing on the bill. "Both my parents and grandparents were imprisoned in Japanese Internment Camps," he said. "My parents had been dating but were not married until my father worked out a transfer to the Poston camp, where he then married my mom in camp… Many of you have heard about how many Issei and Nisei generations often did not talk about their camp experiences with their children and grandchildren. Such was my case, and [that's] one of the reasons I think creating the Japanese American World War II History Network is so important. We must continue to strengthen the network and continue to connect the dots through the network so this tragic and very important lesson in history is never forgotten."

The creation of a Japanese American World War II History Network will significantly improve awareness for potentially hundreds of sites across the United States. The network would follow the model of existing National Park Service networks, such as the African American Civil Rights Network, to provide a platform to increase access and promote heritage tourism to federal, state, and privately-owned sites linked to the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Users will be empowered to use an interactive map to explore different geographic areas, learn about the journeys of Japanese Americans during World War II and plan visits to historic and cultural sites.

H.R. 6434 is cosponsored by Reps. Joe Neguse (D-CO), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Chris Stewart (R-UT), Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ), Don Young (R-AK), Blake Moore (R-UT) and Bruce Westerman (R-AR). It is also endorsed by the Friends of Manzanar, Amache Preservation Society, Arizona Preservation Foundation, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community, Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, State of Washington Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation, Topaz Museum, Utah Division of State History, Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition, and the National Park Service.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:

Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition: It will soon be the 80th anniversary of the signing of E.O. 9066 on Feb. 19, 1942, which caused this incarceration of our people. This legislation preserving our history is way overdue. We thank you and salute you for introducing this necessary legislation.

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community: "Nearly eighty years ago on March 30, 1942, two hundred and twenty-seven men, women, and children of Japanese ancestry -- two-thirds of them American citizens, were forcibly removed from their homes on Bainbridge Island as a result of wartime hysteria and the implementation of Executive Order 9066. The abrupt dislocation from the everyday lives of hardworking Bainbridge Island families to life in government sponsored concentration camps caused years of humiliation, pain, and loss of livelihood, not to mention intergenerational trauma for their descendants. This history must be remembered and preserved in order that the sacrifices of our elders be recognized."

Historical Museum at Fort Missoula: "During WWII, over 1,000 Issei men were wrongfully imprisoned at Fort Missoula, stripped of their civil liberties, and subjected to "loyalty" hearings, in which they were forced to try and prove their loyalty to the United States. We believe that the Japanese American World War II Network Act will be a powerful tool in helping to educate the public about these men and the wrongs committed against them."

Amanche Preservation Society: "Legislation to preserve, produce and distribute educational materials about the Japanese American experience during WWII is of paramount importance for the education of teaching civil liberties and tolerance within the United States… The Japanese American World War II History Network Act will help all families of this great nation with the understanding of how civil liberties should always be preserved no matter what race or ethnic background they may be."

Arizona Preservation Foundation: "The Act will foster access to information and interpretation about the tragic and unfortunate incarceration of Japanese-American individuals and families during World War II, along with the daily experiences and hardships they endured during those trying times. Education materials to be created thanks to this Act will help to communicate facts that are often not covered in regular history, social studies or civics classes."

Arkansas Historic Preservation Program: "The state of Arkansas had two relocation camps during this time. One was in Rohwer, which is in Desha County, and the other camp was Jerome, which is part of Chicot and Drew Counties. This act will most certainly bring much needed attention to these historic locations.

State of Washington Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation: "Washington State was the first to feel the brunt of this unnecessary and catastrophic action. The proposed Network will not only increase awareness about this difficult history, but will also identify the important places that communicate this history on the landscape. We must endeavor to prevent history from repeating itself, and this initiative is a critical step in letting this difficult history be etched in our collective memory."

The Topaz Museum: "The Topaz Museum supports the House of Representatives' bill to create a Japanese American World War II History Network within the National Park Service. With the need to continually assess and reevaluate educational and interpretive programs, the Japanese American World War II History Network will add to the tools available to tell our stories."

Utah Division of State History: The creation of the Japanese American World War II Network would not only amplify the national story of Japanese Internment, but it will also provide opportunities to tell local stories at a national level, helping share Topaz's history and the stories of those that once resided there.

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