Day of Remembrance

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the U.S. military to exclude civilians from designated military areas. The order led to the forced removal and incarceration of approximately 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast, the majority of whom were American citizens.

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February 19 is now observed as a Day of Remembrance, an opportunity to honor those who endured incarceration and to reflect on its lasting impact on Japanese American families, communities, and our nation. It is also a time to consider the fragility of civil liberties during times of crisis and our shared responsibility to protect the rights and freedoms of all people.

 

Friends of Minidoka offers free programming annually around the Day of Remembrance. The events provide opportunities for community connection, and encourage learning and reflection. Through educational programs, cultural events, conversations, and other activities, we invite our community to remember the past, engage with its lessons, and consider how we can carry those lessons forward.