DAY OF INDEPENDENCE screening in Salinas, CA

As some may know, but many do not, February 19 has become known in the Japanese American community as our "Day of Remembrance," commemorating the signing of Executive Order 9066, by President Roosevelt during World War II. E.O. 9066 was signed Feb. 19, 1942, and authorized the forced removal of Americans of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast, out of "military necessity." I put that in quotes because anyone who had as little as 1/16th Japanese blood in them, including all women, children — even orphans — and the elderly, were subjected to incarceration, under harsh conditions, in 10 concentration camps in desolate locations scattered throughout the U.S., and it is hard to justify most of them as being a serious military threat. My mom and dad were 5 and 7 years old, respectively, on 2/19/42, but were sent away with over 110,000 others, many, like them, American citizens. Though he couldn't be trusted when he was 7, I'm proud to say, my father is now a Federal Circuit Judge — How ironic is that.

Many community events are scheduled around this infamous date, including a program featuring my short film, DAY OF INDEPENDENCE. Details are in the bulletin below. Also scheduled to screen are the flims, FAREWELL TO MANZANAR on Feb. 17, and BEYOND BARBED WIRE on Feb. 18. If my schedule works out, I plan to attend our show on Feb. 16.

To commemorate the 65th Anniversary of
the signing of Executive Order 9066

Hartnell College Open Studio Program
presents



A Salinas Stories Project

Program includes live entertainment, guest speakers and film screening of
the EMMY® nominated special, DAY OF INDEPENDENCE.
[view press release]

"Gaman"

Friday, February 16, 2007
7:30pm

Studio Theater
The Western Stage at Hartnell College Performing Arts Center

Hartnell College
156 Homestead Ave., Salinas, CA 93901
[map and directions]