Lessons from the Japanese-American Internment Experience

Franklin Odo and former detainee Mary Murahami spoke on the topic, “Freedom Denied: Lessons from the Japan American Internment Experience.” As a teenager Ms. Murahami was interned for three years in Utah. Using illustrations, she also talked about the history of Japanese immigration to the U.S., the history of the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, and her own experiences during internment.

Mr. Odo, also curator at the National Museum of American History, explained that in 1942 the U.S. government forced more than 120,000 Americans of Japanese decent from their homes and placed them in isolated “internment camps” and detention centers, often making them sign loyalty pledges and take allegiance tests. He provided an overview of the events leading to this decision and of the disruptive effects socially, economically, and psychologically. He also discussed the legal and political challenges leading to a formal apology from the U.S. government 46 years later. He discu close