[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24090]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                COMMEMORATING JUDGE WILLIAM M. MARUTANI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of the 
Honorable William M. Marutani, who recently passed away at the age of 
81. He will be fondly remembered for his contributions to civil rights 
and social justice issues, and for his tenure as a distinguished Judge. 
I am honored to stand before Congress to recognize his significant 
accomplishments.
  During World War II, Judge Marutani and his family were among the 
numerous U.S. civilians of Japanese descent who were wrongfully forced 
into internment camps in 1942. Following his incarceration, he and his 
two younger brothers served on the U.S. Military Intelligence Service.
  In the landmark case Loving vs. Virginia (1967), Judge Marutani 
became the first Japanese American to argue before the U.S. Supreme 
Court. Representing the Japanese American Citizens League as an amicus 
curiae petitioner, Judge Marutani urged the reversal of the anti-
miscegenation laws in 17 states. As a result of Loving vs. Virginia, 
the 17 states were forced to reverse their laws, and interracial 
marriages became legal.
  Judge Marutani was a practicing attorney in Philadelphia until his 
appointment as a Judge on the Common Court of Pleas. He was appointed 
by Governor Milton Jerrold Shapp of Pennsylvania in 1975, and was 
elected for a full ten year term in 1977. He served as the first 
Pennsylvania Judge of Asian American descent.
  In 1981, Judge Marutani served as a Presidential appointee and sole 
Japanese American commissioner on the Commission on Wartime Relocation 
and Internment of Civilians. The Commission's recommendation prompted 
Congress to pass the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which issued a formal 
apology as well as symbolic payments to surviving individuals 
incarcerated during the war. In this victory and throughout his career, 
Judge Marutani was instrumental in fighting for the civil rights of 
Japanese Americans.
  Earlier this year, the Asian American Bar Association of the Delaware 
Valley commissioned a portrait of Judge Marutani, which is displayed in 
Philadelphia's City Hall. This honor was conferred for his dedication 
to the Asian American legal community, ensuring that its voice was 
heard and well-represented.
  Judge Marutani's passion for human rights and the advancement of 
social equality in our nation will not be forgotten. As a proud 
advocate of civil rights, he serves as a role model to the local and 
national communities on whose behalf he selflessly served. I am honored 
to pay tribute to his distinguished life of dedication, kindness, 
generosity, and wisdom.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Judge 
Marutani's family and friends. Please join me in honoring Judge William 
Marutani, a truly exceptional individual who dedicated his life to the 
service of others.

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