CAPAC Commemorates Fred Korematsu Day
Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to commemorate the fourth annual Fred Korematsu Day:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Fred Korematsu is a civil rights hero, not only to Asian Americans, but to all Americans. During one of the darkest periods of our history, Mr. Korematsu challenged the unjust incarceration that he and more than 100,000 Japanese Americans faced during World War II. His fight for justice inspires our vigilance in protecting the rights of all Americans.”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Whip:
“It is with great pride that I commemorate the fourth annual Fred Korematsu Day. Fred’s story has personal significance for me, as my own family was forcibly removed from their homes and interned in Northern California. Fred was a hero for all Americans, first as a welder working in the shipyards of Oakland, and then standing up against injustice by refusing the government’s order to relocate during World War II. Fred wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right during one of the darkest periods in our history. It is our job to ensure that Fred’s legacy lives on, so future generations can follow his example and fight to protect civil liberties for all Americans.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“Today we recognize the important work of Fred Korematsu and his brave stand against the unjust policies of the US government. Fred Korematsu’s civil rights – and the rights of thousands of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during WWII, including myself and my family – were violated in the name of “national security.” It is only with our collective voice, constantly calling for the strengthening – and not the evisceration – of civil rights for all Americans that we will move our country forward on these issues.”
Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chair of the House Democratic Caucus:
“I am proud to join my colleagues in commemorating Fred Korematsu Day. Fred Korematsu was a true American hero who embodied our nation’s values as he pursued justice and equality for all. Let us remember his courage in the face of grave injustice and honor his legacy by protecting the civil rights of every American.”
Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):
“Fred Korematsu was a civil rights trailblazer, and I’m proud to have known him and his family. For forty years, he fought to address the discrimination faced by Japanese Americans during World War II and to ensure that basic Constitutional rights and rule of law would prevail. As one of four states that celebrate Fred Korematsu Day, Hawaii is committed to recognizing Fred’s legacy and ensuring that his pursuit of justice will continue to inspire new generations of leaders.”
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):
“Today we commemorate a true American hero. Fred Korematsu’s courageous actions in the face of discrimination during World War II continue to serve as an inspiration to us all. As we reflect on his legacy, we must continue to speak out against injustice and strive to ensure equal rights for all people.”
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):
“In celebrating Fred Toyosaburo Korematsu Day, people in Hawai‘i and across our Japanese-American community honor the legacy of a man who stood up courageously against incredible adversity. His bravery and life-long fight for justice can serve as an example to generations of Americans, and prevent our nation from committing such a travesty again. Mr. Korematsu’s fight for justice was not just for himself, but also for Japanese-Americans who were interned around the country, including the Honouliuli camp on Oahu, or those who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. His selfless commitment to putting state-sanctioned discrimination to an end remains an inspiration as we continue to fight for civil rights and liberties today.”
Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01):
“The story of Fred Korematsu is a constant reminder of the difference one man can make. With tremendous courage and quiet dignity, he stood as a symbol of the ceaseless but vital fight against injustice. And yet we cannot forget that he was also a man, a real person who wanted nothing more than to be recognized and acknowledged as an American. I find strength in his example, and hope in the conviction that our nation will always be made better by committed individuals of great character.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“I am proud to celebrate Fred Korematsu Day, which recognizes one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders and a native of Oakland, California, which is my Congressional District. When Fred Korematsu was placed in an internment camp during World War II, he did a great service to our country by challenging the legality of the Japanese-American internment program. While the Supreme Court made the wrong decision in his case, he refused to give up the fight for equality in the country he loved. He lived his life as a crusader for the civil liberties of all Americans, eventually receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Clinton for his achievements. It is an honor to represent Fred Korematsu’s hometown in Congress and fight for his vision of ending discrimination.”
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06):
“Fred Korematsu was an American hero who epitomized the values of patriotism and devotion to justice and equality. In the face of war and discrimination, Fred Korematsu remained strong in his convictions, and challenged our nation to move beyond one of its darkest chapters. On this Fred Korematsu Day, we honor his pivotal role in the American civil rights movement, and remind ourselves to strive for truth, courage, and justice in our own lives.”
Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13):
“I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in honoring the life of Fred Korematsu and his contributions to protecting equality in our nation. We remember Mr. Korematsu today for his bold stand against one of the most shameful acts in American history, the internment of hundreds of thousands of loyal Americans during the Second World War. During some of the darkest days in American history, his fight for justice illuminated the American promise which our soldiers fought for abroad, while being betrayed at home. Each and every American owes him a debt of gratitude that can only be paid by continuing the struggle for equality and liberty.”
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14):
“Japanese Americans on the West Coast suffered a huge injustice when they were rounded up and sent off to internment camps during World War II and when Fred Korematsu refused to relocate he was branded a fugitive by this country. The Oakland man simply wanted to live his life as an American citizen. He was finally arrested, however, and interned with nearly 120,000 other people, about 8,000 at the old Tanforan horse racetrack in my district, simply based on their national origin. His 40-year struggle to clear his name is a testament to the power of perseverance, for fighting for justice and equality. As California observes Fred Korematsu Day, we recognize a true civil rights hero.”
Background:
Fred Korematsu Day is the first day in U.S. history named after an Asian American. During World War II, Korematsu refused to relocate to an internment camp under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, which led to the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. He was eventually arrested and interned in May of 1942. Korematsu worked with the American Civil Liberties Union to challenge his case, ultimately taking it to the Supreme Court. Although unsuccessful at the time, he cleared his name in 1983, more than four decades after first being detained.
This year, four states – including California, Hawaii, Utah, and Illinois –acknowledge this holiday statewide. In 2010, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB1775, creating “Fred Korematsu Day” as a permanent day of special significance. In 2012, Governor Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii declared January 30, 2013 as Fred Korematsu Day in the state. Last year, Utah Governor Gary Herbert declared January 30, 2013 as Fred Korematsu Day in Utah, the state where Mr. Korematsu was interned during World War II. Earlier this month, Governor Pat Quinn declared January 30, 2013 as Fred Korematsu Day in the State of Illinois.
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.