The annual Day of Remembrance commemorates the signing of Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which enabled the military to forcibly remove and incarcerate 120,000 Japanese American men, women, and children.
Kurt Kuniyoshi reading Hiroshi Kashiwagi’s redress testimony. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
This devastating experience to the Issei and Nisei continues to impact multigenerational communities today, which is why this year’s 72nd anniversary of DOR featured stories reflecting the impacts of E.O. 9066 on various generations of Japanese Americans.
Performances included Kurt Kuniyoshi reading pieces by Nisei poet Hiroshi Kashiwagi who was unable to attend; Nisei author Dr. Akemi Kikumura Yano; Shin-Nisei author Dr. Velina Hasu Houston; and Yonsei performance artist Sean Miura.
The program, which was emceed by riKu Matsuda and Traci Ishigo, led the audience through a special time of remembrance and reflection.
Here are some photos highlighting this important annual event:
2014 DOR program. Photo by Richard Murakami.
Dr. Greg Kimura, JANM President/ CEO welcomes everyone to the 2014 Community Day of Remembrance. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
JANM’s External Relations Officer Helen Ota shares a few opening words as the 2014 DOR gets started. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
The 2014 Community DOR was emceed by riKu Matsuda and Traci Ishigo. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
Presentation of DOR Bill by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
The Camp Roll Call & Moment of Silence is always a powerful moment at each DOR. Photo by Vicky Murakami.
Nisei Author (and former JANM President) Dr. Akemi Kikumura Yano speaks about her Issei parents. Photo by Richard Murakami.
Kurt Kuniyoshi reading Hiroshi Kashiwagi’s work, “Forgiveness”. Photo by Richard Murakami.
Sean Miura performing (and representing) “Yonsei”. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
Shin-Nisei Author, Dr. Velina Hasu Houston. Photo by Richard Murakami.
Marsha Aizumi, author of “Two Spirits, One Heart,” with a passionate Call to Action to support the LGBTQ in our community. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
The 2014 DOR concludes with a Call to Action. Photo by Russell Kitagawa.
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DOR was co-presented with the Japanese American Citizens League Pacific Southwest District, Japanese American National Museum, Manzanar Committee and Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress.