[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[November 9, 2000]
[Pages 2503-2504]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Dedication of the National Japanese-American Memorial
November 9, 2000

    Earlier today America honored the patriotism of Japanese-Americans 
during World War II with the dedication of the National Japanese-
American Memorial in the Nation's Capital. Attorney General Janet 
Reno and Commerce Secretary Norman Mineta joined distinguished members of the Japanese-
American community and Americans of all ancestries in reminding us of a 
time when this county lost sight of the very foundations of democracy it 
was defending abroad.
    This Nation must never forget the difficult lessons of the Japanese-
American internment camps during World War II and the inspirational 
lessons of patriotism in the face of that injustice.
    Today I have directed the Secretary of the Interior to develop 
recommendations to preserve existing internment sites and provide for 
their public interpretation. In addition, I am signing legislation 
designating the United States Federal Courthouse for the Western 
District of Washington in Seattle, Washington, as the William Kenzo 
Nakamura United States Courthouse. William Nakamura was a student at the 
University of Washington when he and 120,000 other Japanese-Americans 
were removed from their communities and forced into internment camps. 
Despite the injustice of his internment, William Kenzo Nakamura 
volunteered for the U.S. Army and died fighting for this country in 
Italy on July 4, 1944. In June of this year, I posthumously awarded him 
the Medal of Honor in recognition of his courage and heroism.
    As the Nation prepares to honor its veterans, it is my hope that the 
unique contribution of

[[Page 2504]]

Japanese-Americans to preserving this Nation's freedom and democracy 
remains a vital part of America's history.

Note: H.R. 5302, to designate the ``William Kenzo Nakamura United States 
Courthouse,'' approved November 9, was assigned Public Law No. 106-478.