AUBURN, Calif. — On Feb. 19, communities across the nation will observe the Day of Remembrance, a solemn commemoration of the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.
This day serves as a time to reflect on the injustices faced by Japanese Americans and to honor their resilience and contributions to our nation’s history.
In conjunction with this important day, Placer County is proud to highlight the third episode of its four-part podcast miniseries, “The Placer Life During World War II,” which delves into the profound impact of World War II on the local Japanese American community.
Placer County is home to one of America’s oldest Japanese communities, where many immigrants built thriving lives in agriculture. Despite facing prejudice and exclusion, Japanese families and Japantowns flourished—until World War II uprooted their lives.
The latest episode, titled “Seeds of Hope,” explores the experiences of Placer County’s Japanese American neighbors during this dark chapter in history.
It is a story of hardship and tragedy but also one of resilience, kindness and hope. Through firsthand accounts and historical insights, the episode sheds light on how the community endured and rebuilt amid unimaginable challenges.
The episode is available on SoundCloud, here, and popular podcast platforms.
Visit Placer County Museums’ virtual exhibit, “The Japanese Community During World War II“: https://express.adobe.com/page/9942dkYpeg4dU/