WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) has announced his co-sponsorship of a resolution in support of a National Day of Remembrance to honor the victims of the United States' internment and restriction policies during World War II.
"The internment of Japanese Americans and the freedom restrictions imposed on German and Italian Americans during World War II are a dark spot in our nation's history," Rep. Adam Schiff said. "There's no turning back the clock, but we can make everyone aware of what happened and reflect on the importance of preserving our civil liberties during times of uncertainty and emergency."
The House Resolution, introduced by Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), recognizes February 19th as a National Day of Remembrance to increase public awareness of the events surrounding the restriction, exclusion and internment of individuals and their families during World War II. February 19, 1942 marks the anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans and resident aliens into 'relocation camps' during World War II. Italian and German Americans also faced freedom restrictions during WWII by measures that branded them enemy aliens including seizure of personal property, travel limitations and internment.
"In recognition of the sacrifices made by these Americans during World War II, I urge my House colleagues to take up this resolution for a full floor vote as soon as possible," Rep. Schiff said.