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Utah Senate urges U.S. Postal Service to issue stamp honoring Japanese American WWII service
Summary
The Utah Senate unanimously passed a concurrent resolution urging the U.S. Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp recognizing Japanese Americans’ service in World War II, highlighting enlistment from incarceration sites and the record of the 100th/442nd units. The resolution passed 29–0.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate on the floor on a time-certain took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, urging the U.S. Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring the patriotic service of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Senator Iwamoto, sponsor of the resolution, recognized veterans and community leaders in the gallery and told colleagues the measure “urges the postmaster general of The United States to issue a commemorative postage stamp telling the inspiring story of the patriotic service of the Japanese Americans during World War 2.” He said the resolution highlights Nisei who enlisted while their families were incarcerated in relocation centers such as Topaz, Utah, and recalled the famed fighting record of the 100th/442nd units.
The sponsor described how, despite incarceration and official suspicion, thousands of second‑generation Japanese Americans enlisted. Iwamoto noted that the Nisei were awarded Congressional recognition and that the campaign to secure a stamp has broad endorsements and petition support.
Senators from both sides of the aisle spoke in support. Senator Shizawa recalled visiting U.S. military cemeteries and said he supported the measure. Senator DeBackus and Senator Escamilla thanked the veterans and noted the measure served as a reminder to safeguard civil liberties.
Under a motion to suspend the rules to take up the item, the body held a roll call. The clerk reported SCR 7 received 29 yeas, 0 nays; the resolution passed and will be forwarded to the House for consideration.
The resolution cites the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and the historical record of Nisei service as its rationale. The Senate did not record further legislative directives as part of the measure; it is a formal expression of support to the U.S. Postmaster General.
