SAN JOSE —?On Sunday, Feb. 18, Nihonmachi Outreach Committee (NOC) will present its 44th annual Day of Remembrance in the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Annex, 632 N. Fifth St. in San Jose Japantown, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The event commemorates the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the World War II incarceration of over 125,000 people of Japanese descent, two-thirds of whom were American citizens.
The theme this year is “Youth Activism: Building Community,” bringing awareness to the public about the Japanese American community’s redress/reparations movement and encouraging youth to become active in their communities.
The guest speakers are Nina Chuang, recent past president of the Associated Students of San Jose State University, and Associate Professor Yvonne Kwan, program coordinator of Asian American Studies at SJSU.
Susumu Ikeda, survivor of wartime incarceration, will remember his experiences in camp and how he was affected by his imprisonment and resettlement after his release.
San Jose Taiko will perform and everyone will participate in a candlelight procession.
“In order to help defray the expenses of the event, we would greatly appreciate any monetary contribution that you may be able to send us,” said NOC Chair Reiko Nakayama. “A monetary contribution is not necessary for an organization to endorse the Day of Remembrance and we invite all to attend this free event.”
For more information, visit www.sjnoc.org to download a flyer for the event, make a contribution, and view videos of past events. Send contributions by check to: San Jose Nihonmachi Outreach Committee, P.O. Box 10643, San Jose, CA 95157