Wesley UMC Remembers EO 9066

Rev. John Oda, formally dressed in a rainbow colored stoll as a visual for the rights of LGBTQIA+, gave the Aspiration at the 46th Annual Day of Remembrance commemoration event held on Feb. 15. Rather than a prayer, he recalled solemnly the impact Executive Order 9066 had on his then 9-year-old mother who saw her whole life upended and changed forever as a result of this racist act. The theme "Neighbors Not Enemies" and the work for justice by the people and the various local non-profits to see that this injustice never happens again promotes hope and not hopelessness.

Alice Hikido and Its Yokota above were an integral part of the program as they were candlelighters representing the concentration camps where 120,000 Japanese were interned during World War II. Alice represented Minidoka seen here and Its represented Rohwer.

Our very own Jake Shimada created the internment piece he masterfully played at the event.

Our neighborhood safety and security patrol were out in force especially during the candlelight procession when yes, it started to rain. Our thanks go out to all, but especially to our Wesley folks, Brenda Gee and Jeffrey Oldham for looking out for all of us.