[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A DARK CHAPTER IN OUR NATION'S HISTORY

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                           HON. ROBERT WEXLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 4, 1999

  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I am here to support Italian Americans who 
were singled out during World War II as enemy aliens of the United 
States. Unfortunately, like many Japanese Americans who were persecuted 
during World War II, over 600,000 Italian Americans were subjected to 
harsh treatment by the American government, including being evicted 
from their homes and subjected to strict curfews. Hundreds of Italian 
Americans were sent to internment camps.
  It is unconscionable that these hard working Americans were denied 
fundamental human rights and freedoms. Like many other ethnic 
communities in the United States, Italian Americans fought bravely in 
World War II and played a major role in defeating the Axis powers. 
However, many Italian Americans who remained in the United States 
during World War II faced discrimination including the families of 
soldiers who were injured or killed in Europe and in the Pacific.
  I believe that it is incumbent upon the President and the United 
States government to acknowledge this dark chapter of our nation's 
history. Italian Americans who were victims of persecution are entitled 
to no less, and America needs to acknowledge the truth. I urge my 
colleagues to support H.R. 2442.

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