“Remember Me”: 84 Years Later, Japanese Families Return to the Island. A Number of Events Unfolding March 29 and March 30

If you know your Bainbridge Island History, you may recall that on March 30, 1942, 227 Bainbridge Island Japanese Americans were the first people forcibly removed under
Executive Order 9066. This weekend – March 29–30 – their descendants return to Bainbridge Island for a handful of events marking the 84th anniversary — and a national book of names arrives with them.

Indeed, this weekend offers a rare convergence of stories: a PBS world premiere, the arrival of a national civil rights monument, and 25 families saying their ancestors’ names aloud at the place where history was made — all against the backdrop of today’s immigration climate.

“It is with mixed emotions that we acknowledge that there will be no (official) ceremony at the Exclusion Memorial this March 30th to remember and honor the … forced removal of Japanese Americans—one of the most sweeping violations of civil liberties in American history,” said Ellen Sato Faust, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association. “In today’s turbulent times, our local ceremony takes on new meaning: indeed, let it not happen again.”

The Memorial site is unavailable due to the continued construction of the new Visitor Center that is rising rapidly. According to Sato Faust, the timber framing is complete, and the amphitheater is taking shape through multiple concrete pours “into beautifully curved forms. We hope to see everyone next year in our new plaza. You may not have to bring your own chair!”

As a reminder, she said, the Legacy Challenge continues. Survivors and their descendants challenge the broader community to meet its $300,000 Legacy Challenge Fund. With the building nearing finish line in sight, “this is the moment when community support matters most,” Sato Faust added, noting that today’s Kitsap Great Give is the perfect opportunity.

In lieu of BIJAEM annual gathering at the Memorial, March 30th will be commemorated with a number of truly unique events:

Sunday, March 29 — 3:00 p.m. | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Cascade PBS: “Origins” Season 4 Preview Screening & Discussion, World premiere of a new short-form docuseries exploring Japanese American imprisonment through the lens of
Pacific Northwest communities. Filmmaker Andrew Inaba leads a post-screening discussion with special guests including Lilly Kodama, a Bainbridge Island exclusion survivor featured in the film. Reserve your tickets soon, as both venues are nearly sold-out! RSVP: PBS Preview: Origins “Our Thousand Days,” featuring Lilly Kodama Tickets, Sunday, Mar 29 from 3 pm to 4 pm | Eventbrite

Sunday, March 29–30 — Beginning 12:30 p.m. | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Ireičō: Book of Names — Public Stamping (Reservations Filled). The first comprehensive national record of all 125,284 persons of Japanese ancestry incarcerated during WWII. On Bainbridge Island, the goal is to stamp all 276 names from the Exclusion Memorial Wall before the book moves on. The tour is funded by the Mellon Foundation. Search names at ireizo.com. The ceremonial Book of Names that seeks to list and remember every person impacted by incarceration—now numbering more than 126,000—by name. BIJAEMA hopes that the book will not leave Bainbridge Island until all 276 islanders who were removed in 1942 have received at least one stamp. Reservations to stamp are full, but those wishing to get a glimpse may volunteer to support the Ireichō team at BIMA.

Monday, March 30 — 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Bainbridge Island Performing Arts Center, 200 Madison Ave N

84th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony — “Remember Me” | Semi-private, invited guests. Survivors and descendants from 25 families on the Memorial Wall will step forward to recite their family’s names aloud and share what happened to them. Name by name. Family by family. The program will acknowledge all 276 Islanders who were excluded in 1942 by reading their names aloud. Many of their descendants have been invited to read the names and say a few words about their family. The event is open to all, and attendees are invited to a free luncheon after the program. BIJAC asks that you sign up in advance.

“The Exclusion Memorial stands as a living tribute to the Legacy families, the values of this community, and a lesson in civil liberties,” Sato Faust said. “If the Memorial holds meaning for you, we invite you to be a part of these events and to help carry this work forward.”

About BIJAEMA: The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association preserves and shares the history of Japanese American exclusion and incarceration during World War II, promoting understanding of civil liberties and constitutional rights for all Americans. Visitor Center construction donations: bijaema.org/donate. BIJAEMA.ORG

About BIJAC: The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community’s mission is to To preserve the history and culture of Japanese Americans of Bainbridge Island and support education and community outreach that fosters a deep appreciation for diversity, justice, and the need for vigilant protection of our civil and constitutional rights. BIJAC.ORG

About The Irei Project: A nonprofit dedicated to honoring all 125,284 persons incarcerated during WWII. The Ireičō national tour is funded by the Mellon Foundation in partnership with the Japanese American National Museum. JANM.ORG/IREICHO

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