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Minidoka Pilgrimage
511 – 16th Ave South
Seattle, WA 98144
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Thank you!
In February of 1942, Executive Order 9066 was signed by the president of the USA and forced the removal of people of Japanese Ancestry living along the West Coast of the United States. This was without due process and attributed to racial hysteria after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.These Americans were herded like cattle to their new homes in 10 American Concentration Camps.
Most of the Japanese community of Alaska, Oregon and Washington spent nearly 3 years incarcerated at Minidoka, just outside of present day Twin Falls, Idaho. Now, over 71 years have past and the site continues to hold a mixture of memories and strong emotions - feelings of denial, distrust, shame, and joy. The annual pilgrimage strives to honor the generations that had to “gaman" by sharing stories of their imprisonment with the younger generation and others unfamiliar with the story so that in the future due process of the law will be demanded so no single group is targeted again.
The annual Minidoka Pilgrimage honors this legacy. Now in its 11th year, recent pilgrimages have witnessed many new additions to tell the story of the experience at the Minidoka National Historic Site. In 2011 we unveiled the Honor Roll monument listing the names of the 1,000 individuals that enlisted in military service from behind the barbed wire, and for 2013 visitors will be able to enter an original barrack and mess hall in the former location of Block 22, as well as visit an original warehouse, fire station and root cellar. Our pilgrimage package will include options for a self-guided or organized tour of the site. A special bus tour will be available for those who do not wish to walk the site.
Included in your Seattle package is all transportation from Bellevue College to Idaho, most meals and admittance to the Minidoka National Historic Site. The Twin Falls package includes transportation from the Red Lion hotel in Twin Falls, ID to the Minidoka National Historic Site and most meals. For more information please review each package description.
This year we are pleased to once again offer scholarships to those individuals that are 80 years old and above and were incarcerated. Scholarships include the full cost of registration, meals and accommodation with both the Seattle package, or for those traveling on their own the Twin Falls package. Please make sure to complete the special Senior Scholarship registration form to be eligible.
Thank you for your interest in the 2013 Minidoka Pilgrimage and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee
Minidoka Pilgrimage Schedule (Tentative):
Thursday, June 20: Bus leaves Bellevue, WA to Twin Falls, ID. Those who travel on their own meet in Twin Falls, ID.
Saturday, June 22: Day long programs by the Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee in Twin Falls, ID, including visiting the National Site.
Sunday, June 23: Half day program including memorial service at the National Site, followed by a closing luncheon in Twin Falls, ID. After lunch, the program will end at 1:00 PM. Bus attendees drive back to Bellevue, WA. Those who travel on their own make arrangements for own travel.Click here to add text.
