PROCLAMATION
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Fred Korematsu belongs among the ranks of America’s great civil rights leaders for his actions to defend civil liberties and constitutional rights. Mr. Korematsu was arrested during World War II and convicted for defying an order that required persons of Japanese ancestry to live in internment camps. Justice was denied when the Supreme Court upheld his conviction.
In 1983, Mr. Korematsu’s wrongful conviction was overturned. This decision, along with similar cases, influenced Congress’ passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. Throughout his lifetime Mr. Korematsu remained a tireless advocate for every American’s right to liberty, due process and equality.
On March 30, 2005, Fred Korematsu passed away leaving behind a legacy that highlights the importance of maintaining the constitutional guarantee of liberty for all Americans, regardless of race or ancestry.
NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim January 30, 2011 as “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution”.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 28th day of January 2011.
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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California
ATTEST:
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DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State