[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 11 (Friday, January 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF THE JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 19, 2007

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary 
of the Japanese American Citizens League of the Monterey Peninsula. On 
January 25, 1932, two years after the national Japanese American 
Citizens League was formed, 18 charter members organized this local 
chapter to fight against discriminatory legislation and racial 
prejudice, and to help their first generation citizens (Issei) navigate 
through the American bureaucracy in such matters as alien registration.
  Throughout the 1930's, the chapter involved itself in the larger 
community. In 1937, they made a giant American Flag to carry in the 
Independence Day parade. They reasoned that only a few people could 
ride on a float but 60 people could carry this huge flag. Another way 
they assimilated into the community was to participate in organized 
sports. The JACL-sponsored Monterey Minato established a formidable 
reputation and broke records in several sports because of its gifted 
athletes. From 1934 to the outbreak of World War II, the Monterey 
Minatos virtually dominated all other teams within the Central 
California Coast Counties Athletic Association. In 1938, just three 
Minato trackmen won nine of the eleven events at the YMCA Olympics at 
Kezar Stadium in San Francisco.
  Built in 1927, the JACL Hall was originally the Japanese Association 
building, erected for the purpose of creating a community center for 
immigrant Japanese. In 1942, the leaders of the Japanese Association 
gifted the building to the JACL as a way to keep it serving the 
community. During World War II, the building was used by the National 
Guard, and after the war it became a hostel for returning internees. 
Today the Hall plays host to the JACL Japanese Language School, Nisei 
Memorial Post 1629 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chinese Language 
School, Nisei Bowling League, Monterey and Satsuma Bonsai Clubs, Mugen 
Shinshu Daiko (Japanese Drum) classes, Tai Chi, and Jazzercize. The 
JACL Hall has truly become an Asian Cultural Center.
  Today the chapter continues to fight for tolerance and diversity, 
helps its members preserve their cultural heritage, and assists new 
immigrants assimilate into society. As they begin their eighth decade, 
they will build on their 75-five year commitment to redress racism in 
our society, so that the next generation truly experiences equal 
justice under law.
  Madam Speaker, I know all our colleagues join me in applauding the 
JACL and in wishing them continued success for these most admirable 
goals.

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