[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 165 (Tuesday, October 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE FLORIN JAPANESE-AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 24, 1995

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to bring to my 
colleagues' attention the work of a distinguished public service 
organization, the Florin Japanese-American Citizens League [JACL]. On 
November 4, 1995, the Sacramento community will gather to honor this 
organization and celebrate its 60th anniversary.
  The Florin JACL was formally organized in 1935 as one of the original 
115 chapters nationwide. A volunteer nonprofit and educational 
organization, the Florin JACL has dedicated the past six decades to 
upholding the human and civil rights of Japanese-Americans and all 
Americans.
  In their early years, the Florin JACL operated with dignity under the 
cloud of World War II. Though parents and relatives were confined in 
isolated relocation centers, 45 young Nikkei Florin soldiers fought a 
2-front war: 1 against the enemy and 1 against national prejudice. 
After the war, the Florin JACL played an instrumental role in he 
resettlement of internees after the camps closed.
  During the post-war era, after the passage of the landmark 1952 
Walter-McCarran Act, the Florin JACL mounted a successful campaign 
which promoted and assisted Issei to become naturalized citizens, a 
privilege heretofore denied to them and others of Asian ancestry.
  In more recent times, the Florin JACL has directed its efforts to 
social and educational service. In 1962, the Florin JACL Scholarships 
were initiated and for the past 23 years have provided students with 
the financial and moral support needed to pursue higher education. 
Always evolving to meet the needs of today's society, the Florin JACL 
now boasts such successful programs as an Annual Women's Day Forum and 
the Healthy Family Traditions project.
  In addition to these interests, the Florin JACL has worked tirelessly 
to preserve the rich history of Japanese-Americans. For the past 12 
years, the organization has sponsored Time of Remembrance programs 
featuring significant speakers, teachers, workshops, children's 
sessions, and Nikkei VFW participation via lectures, exhibits, video, 
dissemination of informational materials, and question-and-answer 
sessions relating to the Japanese-Americans and World War II.
  One of the most ambitious and exciting new projects in Sacramento is 
the establishment of the Japanese-American Archival Collection. Started 
by the Florin JACL's donation of the Mary Tsukamoto collection, the 
project has grown dramatically and serves as assurance that Japanese-
American history will be preserved with tangible proof for future 
generations.
  The Florin JACL is most deserving of our thanks and praise for their 
efforts and compassion for all people in the Sacramento region. I know 
my colleagues will join me in wishing the Florin chapter of the 
Japanese-American Citizens League many years of continued success.

                          ____________________