Letters of Support Needed for Nisei Stamp Campaign

The Stamp Our Story campaign for a national postage stamp that would honor the Japanese American World War II soldiers is asking all supporters to take action today.

Next year marks 75 years since the start of the internment, and efforts are under way in Congress to ensure that a stamp is issued in 2017. For details, visit http://niseistamp.org.

The congressional “Dear Colleague” letter of support for the stamp now on Capitol Hill needs signers by Friday, April 29. Representatives and senators from each state now have the opportunity to sign this letter. People must tell their members of Congress to sign, or it will go unnoticed.

For help in finding your members of Congress, you can use the Internet. Search by typing “find my rep” and “find my senator” in your preferred search engine. There will be links for emails and phone numbers. Or, you can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to speak with someone by phone.

The campaign asks that you contact all three members — your congressperson and your two senators. It is recommended that supporters email their members of Congress, and then follow up by phone calls and/or in-person request at the member’s office.

The following is a sample message:

“Dear Representative/Senator –

“As a constituent in your district, I urge you to sign on to a letter to the postmaster general and the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Council urging for the issuance of a stamp that would preserve the story of the Japanese Americans who served in the U.S. Army and were incarcerated during World War II.

“We hope to make this stamp a reality in time for next year’s 75th commemoration of this chapter in our nation’s history. The letter is co-authored by Rep. Mark Takai (HI-01) and Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27). Representatives Mike Honda, Doris Matsui and Mark Takano have already signed this letter.

“Please sign on to the Takai/Chu Letter: Japanese American Testament to Patriotism during WWII. The deadline to sign is April 29. You may direct them to Kana Smith of Rep. Takai’s staff at kana.smith@mail.house.gov to sign on or for any questions.

“My full name and contact information is ____.

“Thank you.”