Emotional Day of Remembrance at JANM
By MARIKO AUSTIN
RAFU CONTRIBUTOR
Saturday, February 28, 2009

Connection to immigration issues explored at 41st Day of Remembrance.

Photos by MARIO G. REYES/Rafu Shimpo
Erich Nakano accepts the Fighting Spirit Award on behalf of his mother Lillian Nakano on Saturday at the 21st annual Day of Remembrance ceremony held at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.

Roger Daniels

Progressive Taiko performs as part of the Day of Remembrance ceremony.

On Feb. 19, 1942, President Frank­lin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 that authorized the Japa­nese American internment dur­ing World War II. On Saturday, the Japanese Ameri­can National Museum held the 21st annual Day of Remembrance event that com­memorates the signing of that document. Like previous years, this event was not only about the Japa­nese American experience, it also fo­cused on the topic of immigration, an issue pertinent to many, as evidenced by the attendance of members of sev­eral different ethnic communities.

The rollercoaster of emotions induced by the event was palpable. Looks of reflection and understanding were clear on the faces of the older members of the audience and younger generations showed an air of solem­nity and respect. JANM President and CEO, Akemi Kikumura Yano, said, “[This event] is about learning from the past to inform the future. This could happen to anyone.”

It began with a brief introduction and history of the internment and campaign for redress, followed by the presentation of the NCRR Fighting Spirit Award to Lillian Nakano. Unfor­tunately, she was unable to attend due to a recent operation and her family accepted the award on her behalf.

The presentation was followed by the keynote address, given by Profes­sor Roger Daniels, the Charles Phelps Taft Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Cincinnati. He of­fered an in-depth history of the Japa­nese American internment, including the Issei and Nisei experience, the aftermath following their release, and the efforts of subsequent genera­tions in the campaign for redress. He also addressed the parallel events that followed the internment that af­fected other ethnic groups in times of “internal security emergencies.” The atmosphere was solemn during his address, and was a time of reflection for some in the audience during this historical recount.

A series of special performances featured a short film, a collection of personal stories from recent im­migrants and those with experiences related to the internment, and a po­tent performance by hip-hop artist Prophet.

Several organizations from the Southern California area were also present; the Campaign for Justice, rep­resenting the Japanese Latin American campaign for Redress; UCLA CAPSA and UCLA IDEAS for the DREAM Act campaign; and the Council on American-Islamic Relations for the Muslim American community. The Southern California Executive Direc­tor of CAIR, Hussam Ayloush, deliv­ered a moving thanks for the support the Japanese American community had shown in the aftermath of 9/11. The ceremony closed with an energetic performance by Progressive Taiko.

The feeling was one of pride, strength, and hope. Many of the at­tendees, both young and old, were already involved in the Japanese American community, and this year’s DOR seemed to create an even great­er resolve to lend a hand. Alayne Yonemoto, governor of the JACL Pacific Southwest District expressed her hope that this event would not only strengthen the Japanese American community, but also bring others to­gether to “make not just communities, but a [singular] community.” Yano, with hopes the DOR can inspire and encourage people to speak out and get involved, best stated the message that was delivered to all in attendance that day: “You are not alone.”