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Assembly adopts resolution marking Feb. 19, 2025 as day of remembrance for Japanese American incarceration
Summary
The California State Assembly unanimously adopted House Resolution 12 on Feb. 11, designating Feb. 19, 2025, as a day of remembrance for the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and recognized living survivors in the Capitol.
The California State Assembly on Feb. 11 adopted House Resolution 12, designating Feb. 19, 2025, as a day of remembrance for the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and recognizing living survivors who were present in the chamber.
Assemblymember Marisucci introduced the resolution and displayed a wartime sign, saying, "This is a copy of an actual sign that was placed in communities throughout the state of California ... Instructions to all persons of Japanese ancestry." He said Executive Order 9066 forced the evacuation of more than 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry, who were sent to camps such as Manzanar, Tule Lake, Topaz and Gila River.
Marisucci cited the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, quoting its finding that the mass evacuation and incarceration were motivated by "racial prejudice, wartime hysteria, and a failure of political leadership." He urged colleagues to support teaching the history in schools and to back the resolution. "This is why we need diversity, equity, and inclusion in public education," he said.
Members from across the state spoke in support. Assemblymember Gonzalez said the resolution declares Feb. 19, 2025, a day of remembrance and noted his district's ties to Little Tokyo and the Japanese American National Museum. Assemblymember Ransom said, "Many California students learn very briefly, if at all, about the internment of Japanese Americans and American concentration camps during World War II," and urged preservation of local sites such as the Stockton Assembly Center medical building. Assemblymember Colosa, Assemblymember Patel and Assemblymember Hadwick also urged an aye vote and reflected on local histories and the importance of memory and teaching.
The clerk opened a roll for coauthors; the clerk recorded 71 coauthors added. Without objection, the Assembly took a voice vote and the resolution was adopted. Marisucci later announced a short reception for survivors and family members in Room 125 following the session.
The resolution and the Assembly remarks focused on remembrance and education; no implementing legislation, funding, or regulatory changes were adopted as part of HR 12. The resolution passed by voice vote and was adopted on the floor during the Feb. 11 session.
