Washington House Honors Japanese Americans on 84th Anniversary of Internment Order

State lawmakers adopt resolution recognizing forced incarceration during WWII and calling for vigilance against repeating such actions.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Washington state House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution on Thursday marking the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced removal and incarceration of over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast during World War II, including around 12,000 Washington residents. The resolution calls for remembrance of the victims and their families, as well as the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated unit of Japanese American soldiers who volunteered even as their loved ones were imprisoned.

Why it matters

The resolution serves as a solemn remembrance of one of the darkest chapters in American history, when fear and prejudice led to the unjust incarceration of an entire ethnic group. It also underscores the importance of vigilance against repeating such egregious violations of civil liberties, especially during times of uncertainty and heightened emotions.

The details

Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942, Executive Order 9066 authorized the removal of more than 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast, including around 12,000 Washington residents. Many were first held in temporary detention sites like Camp Harmony at the Washington State Fairgrounds before being transferred to more permanent camps inland. The House resolution calls for remembrance of the Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists, and reflects on the nation's commitment to 'liberty and justice for all'.

  • Executive Order 9066 was signed on February 19, 1942.
  • The Washington state House of Representatives adopted the resolution on February 19, 2026, marking the 84th anniversary of the executive order.

The players

Franklin D. Roosevelt

The 32nd President of the United States, who signed Executive Order 9066 authorizing the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Brian Burnett

A Republican state representative from Wenatchee, Washington, who urged vigilance against repeating such actions that single out groups as 'less than fully American, less than fully human'.

Skyler Rude

A Republican state representative from Walla Walla, Washington, who said remembering history should guide leaders during periods of fear and uncertainty.

Mike Lowry

A former U.S. Congressman from Washington who introduced federal reparations legislation that ultimately led to President Ronald Reagan signing the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

442nd Regimental Combat Team

A segregated unit of Japanese American soldiers formed in 1943, many of whom volunteered while their families were incarcerated.

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What they’re saying

“Never again should any group be singled out and treated as less than fully American, less than fully human.”

— Brian Burnett, State Representative (dailyfly.com)

“Remembrance, in my opinion, is an act of vigilance in itself. When rhetoric replaces responsibility, when those in positions of authority choose to raise the temperature rather than lower it, history shows us where that path can lead.”

— Skyler Rude, State Representative (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The resolution serves as a reminder of the importance of commemorating and learning from this dark chapter in American history, and underscores the need for continued vigilance to protect the civil liberties of all people, regardless of their ethnicity or background.

The takeaway

This resolution highlights the enduring legacy of the Japanese American incarceration during World War II, and the critical role that remembrance and vigilance play in ensuring such egregious violations of civil rights are never repeated. It serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and patriotism of the Japanese American community, and a call for all Americans to uphold the principles of liberty and justice for all.