Washington, DC – March 23, 2010: The National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF) announced today that the annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk will take place on Saturday, April 3, 2010.The event will be held at the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism, located at the intersection of Louisiana and New Jersey Avenues and D Street NW. The Freedom Walk is a historical and cultural activity which seeks to raise awareness about the Japanese American experience during World War II. The walk also highlights the vigilant role everyone must play in upholding the constitutional rights of all Americans.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the National Japanese American Memorial. To celebrate this anniversary, a special group of former internees will come together to share their personal experiences of life in the camps and military service during World War II.
Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador of Japan to the United States and Norman Mineta, former Cabinet Secretary, will be honored for their long support of the Freedom Walk and dedication to the mission of the Foundation.
“I am so proud to be honored by an organization I care about so deeply,” said Secretary Mineta. “I have worked for many years to highlight the struggles and patriotism of Americans of Japanese ancestry, and the work of NJAMF is vitally important to keeping that memory alive. I thank the Foundation for this honor.”
Over 200 individuals attend the Freedom Walk each year. Check-in starts at 9:00 a.m. and the opening ceremony begins at 9:30AM. The Freedom Walk begins with a series of distinguished speakers, followed by a short, non-competitive walk to affirm our resolve to uphold the constitutional rights of all Americans. This event accommodates all walkers, runners, children, wheelchairs, and strollers.
There is no charge to attend. Donations, however, are welcome and will support the NJAMF’s nationwide educational and outreach efforts. The NJAMF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Those who donate at least $10 will receive a special gift.
To make a donation, please make checks payable to “NJAMF–Freedom Walk” and mail them to: NJAMF – Freedom Walk, 1620 I Street., NW, Suite 925, Washington, DC 20006.
While it is also not necessary to pre-register for this event, pre-registration is appreciated because it provides a rough estimate of how many people plan to attend. To pre-register, please visit the Freedom Walk website at http://www.ncbfreedomwalk.org/ or call 202-530-0015.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week, citywide event featuring daily cultural performances, arts & crafts exhibit /demonstrations, sporting events, international cuisine and other special events. The 2009 Festival will be held March 28-April 12, with the Parade on April 4. The National Cherry Blossom Festival® celebrates the 97th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan.
