2019 Minidoka Pilgrimage and Dedication

Images of Issei Memorial Wall and visitor center dedication, courtesy Kayla Isomura.

During the 17th annual Minidoka Pilgrimage this July, about 325 pilgrimage participants joined nearly 100 additional guests for the dedication and soft opening of the new Minidoka National Historic Site visitor center. The visitor center, which opens to the public February 22nd, was open for the day to allow survivors and their descendants a first look at the newly rehabilitated historic warehouse, and the exhibits and film featured inside. Nisei attendees were invited to cut the ribbon to dedicate the new visitor center following invocations by Rev. Karen Yokota Love and Rev. Kusonoki, and remarks by Mia Russell of Friends of Minidoka; Robert Hirai, Honorary Consul General of Japan in Idaho; Wade Vagias, Superintendent of Minidoka; and Jim Azumano, community speaker. 

We also dedicated and unveiled our exhibit The Issei: A Legacy of Courage, with words by Yosh Nakagawa to honor the Issei generation. We hope this exhibit will allow all visitors the opportunity to learn from the Issei legacy of courage, perseverance, and sacrifice.