FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY - NOT FOR RELEASE

AG

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1998

(202) 616-2765

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS TO COMMEMORATE

REDRESS PROGRAM FOR JAPANESE AMERICANS INTERNED DURING WWII

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General Janet Reno will be joined by Associate Attorney General Ray Fisher and Acting Assistant Attorney General Bill Lann Lee on Thursday, September 10, 1998 to celebrate the successful completion of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

The Act, which was administered by the Justice Department's Office of Redress Administration (ORA), provided compensation to Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II, and offered an apology for the fundamental injustice they endured. ORA, which worked to locate thousands of Japanese Americans over the past 10 years, has paid out more than $1 billion in compensation to more than 81,000 Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II.

Members of Congress, individuals who were interned and past administrators of the program will also be present.

WHAT: Commemoration of the Japanese Redress Program

WHEN: Thursday, August 10, 1998 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: The Great Hall, Main Justice Building

   950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

NOTE: Reporters wishing to cover the event should enter through the Pennsylvania Avenue Entrance between 9^th and 10^th Streets.

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