Consul General Murabayashi Observes the Event of "Day of Remembrance of Executive Order 9066"
2022/2/23
Speech by Consul General Murabayashi
Mr. Ted Tanaka and Consul General Murabayashi
Garden of Peace
On February 19, Consul General Murabayashi attended a commemoration for the Day of Remembrance hosted by the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas. The Day of Remembrance was established to remember the internment of Japanese Americans under Executive Order 9066, issued during the Pacific War on February 19, 1942 by then President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
At the ceremony, Mr. Ted Tanaka, a Japanese American living in Los Angeles who was interned as a child, shared his experiences. The event was followed by a screening of "Alternative Facts: Lies of Executive Order 9066," a documentary film produced by Mr. John Ozaki that examines this difficult history. Finally, a question and answer session was held with Mr. Hoyt Zia, founder of the Asian Pacific Bar Association and an expert on legal issues surrounding Japanese American internment. The event was simultaneously broadcast online.
In his speech, Consul General Murabayashi emphasized that war causes many tragedies, but we must bear the lessons of history in mind to ensure that they are never repeated. Recalling memories and interactions with Japanese Americans throughout his diplomatic career - including late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye - he recognized that Japanese Americans have overcome this history, and through their tireless efforts have played an active role as Americans across a variety of fields. He further explained that the dedicated and positive attitude of Japanese Americans has been the cornerstone of trust and friendship between Japan and the United States, and is instrumental to the exceptionally close and positive alliance the countries now share. He concluded by saying that the legacy of Japanese Americans should be the foundation for further strengthening the Japan-U.S. friendship.
After attending the commemoration, Consul General Murabayashi was guided by staff to visit the museum's Pacific War-related exhibits and Garden of Peace, a Japanese garden donated by Japan to honor Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
At the ceremony, Mr. Ted Tanaka, a Japanese American living in Los Angeles who was interned as a child, shared his experiences. The event was followed by a screening of "Alternative Facts: Lies of Executive Order 9066," a documentary film produced by Mr. John Ozaki that examines this difficult history. Finally, a question and answer session was held with Mr. Hoyt Zia, founder of the Asian Pacific Bar Association and an expert on legal issues surrounding Japanese American internment. The event was simultaneously broadcast online.
In his speech, Consul General Murabayashi emphasized that war causes many tragedies, but we must bear the lessons of history in mind to ensure that they are never repeated. Recalling memories and interactions with Japanese Americans throughout his diplomatic career - including late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye - he recognized that Japanese Americans have overcome this history, and through their tireless efforts have played an active role as Americans across a variety of fields. He further explained that the dedicated and positive attitude of Japanese Americans has been the cornerstone of trust and friendship between Japan and the United States, and is instrumental to the exceptionally close and positive alliance the countries now share. He concluded by saying that the legacy of Japanese Americans should be the foundation for further strengthening the Japan-U.S. friendship.
After attending the commemoration, Consul General Murabayashi was guided by staff to visit the museum's Pacific War-related exhibits and Garden of Peace, a Japanese garden donated by Japan to honor Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.