MATSUI, TAKANO INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION HONORING FRED KOREMATSU
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39) introduced a legislative package to honor the life of civil rights icon Fred Korematsu. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
The first piece of legislation is the Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act, which would award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu in recognition of his contributions to civil rights, his loyalty and patriotism to the nation, and his dedication to justice and equality.
The second piece of legislation is a resolution establishing a national “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution” day, which recognizes the importance of establishing a national Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution and encourages all people to reflect on the importance of political leadership and vigilance and on the values of justice and civil rights during times of uncertainty and emergency.
“Fred Korematsu confronted a fearful current of hate and discrimination to stand up for our most foundational rights as Americans,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Fred’s battle against the wrongful incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II taught us that we must always stand up, speak out, and unite against injustice. That we must take the time to listen and learn the lessons of the past, so we never repeat those mistakes. The history of the Japanese American community is a story that cannot afford to be lost in time. That’s why we continue to tell Fred’s story and teach our younger generations the perseverance and determination that has been woven into the Japanese American identity. I’m proud to join Congressman Takano to introduce these bills that honor Fred’s legacy of justice and equality for all.”
“Fred Korematsu stood up for the over 125,000 Japanese Americans, including my parents, who were incarcerated under an unlawful executive order,” said Congressman Takano. “I am proud to partner with my colleagues both across the aisle and in the Senate to ensure that Fred Korematsu’s legacy is remembered for generations to come. It is only right I introduce this package on what would be Mr. Korematsu’s 106th birthday.”
“Fred Korematsu stood up for hundreds of thousands of Japanese Americans, like my great-grandfather, during a time of great peril when they were being unjustly relocated and interned during World War II,” said Congresswoman Tokuda. “Korematsu’s courageous fight has become a lasting symbol of resistance to racial prejudice across the country, including Hawaii, and I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing these bills to commemorate his bravery and legacy.”
“More than 80 years ago, Fred Korematsu stood up for the rights of more than 125,000 Japanese Americans illegally incarcerated during World War II, devoting his life to fighting for justice and equality,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud to lead this effort to recognize Mr. Korematsu for his courageous contributions and award him with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor and one he rightfully deserves. May Mr. Korematsu’s legacy remind us that eternal vigilance is required of all of us and we must continue to defend the civil liberties of all people and speak out against injustice.”
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