Shawna Chen
The campsite in Granada, Colorado, that imprisoned over 7,000 Japanese Americans during World War II is now a national historic site after President Biden signed the designation into law on Friday.
Why it matters: Friday’s action moves ownership of the Amache grounds, currently managed by volunteers, to the National Park Service and guarantees that the stories of those who were incarcerated there are honored and preserved for future generations.
- Survivors, their descendants and advocates had campaigned for the protection for decades.
What they’re saying: “Designating the Amache site as part of our National Parks system is a way to honor survivors and descendants of Camp Amache who continue to share their stories, help us learn about their experiences, and ensure we never repeat this painful chapter in our nation’s history,” the White House tweeted.
- “This is the day we’ve been looking for for years,” survivor Carlene Tinker, 82, told the Denver Post. “It’s a testament to those who were in the camps. It’s an apology by the government — long overdue. I am so happy for this passing.”
- “As a nation, we must face the wrongs of our past in order to build a more just and equitable future,” Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said in a statement.
- “I applaud President Biden and the bipartisan action in Congress that has ensured this important and painful chapter in our nation’s story is preserved and honored for the generations to come.”
Source: axios.com