ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10341ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10341

Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II

This proclamation designates February 19, 2022, as a Day of Remembrance marking the 80th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the incarceration of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The document formally acknowledges this history as a grave civil rights injustice, reaffirms the government's apology, rejects euphemistic terminology, and calls on Americans to commemorate the injustice and commit to combating systemic racism and xenophobia.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 10677

Impact dates

  1. Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II

Key directives

  • Proclaim February 19, 2022 as Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II
  • Call upon the people of the United States to commemorate the injustice
  • Call upon the people of the United States to honor those who defended democratic ideals
  • Call upon the people of the United States to commit to eradicating systemic racism

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation of February 19, 2022 as Day of Remembrance

Near term (90d)

  • Potential commemorative events and observances on February 19, 2022

Long term

  • Ongoing preservation of incarceration sites as national parks and historic landmarks
  • Continued operation of White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

Risks & tensions

  • Acknowledges Japanese Latin Americans were excluded from 1988 Civil Liberties Act reparations, leaving unfinished redress
  • Rejection of euphemistic language ('assembly centers,' 'relocation,' 'internment') may generate modest political or scholarly debate
Proclamation 10341: Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II · Executive Orders