Dear Friends,
As you can imagine, for the Board of Directors of BIJAEMA the past several years have given new meaning to the old saying, “May you live in interesting times.” With the design of the Visitor Center nearing completion, we’ve experienced a roller-coaster ride navigating the often-elusive permitting process and securing public water service for the site. City officials have been highly responsive to our needs, but it ain’t easy.
Amid these challenges, we have also been actively fundraising, and we are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. Major funding has come from state and federal grants, private foundations, the Japanese American community, and a large number of generous individuals. Given the current economic climate, pinning down the final cost of a project like this has been no small feat, but we are confident that we are in good shape moving forward.
In parallel, we now have a dedicated committee working hard to ensure that your experience, when you step inside the Visitor Center for the first time, is both meaningful and memorable. This Opening Day Committee’s work will not only shape the grand opening but also guide BIJAEMA’s direction and activities at the Memorial for years to come.
Our efforts are far from isolated. The National Park Service and the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District continue to provide valuable support and resources, while members of our sister organization, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community, are playing key roles. Together, we are laying the foundation for how the Memorial will be managed and sustained for years to come.
Recently, I spoke with a relatively new Bainbridge Island resident who shared an inspiring story. He and his wife had conducted an extensive search for a place to retire, and Bainbridge Island was one of many contenders. When they visited Bainbridge, they learned of and visited the Memorial, and their minds were made up on the spot. They figured that a community that would undertake to build this Memorial was a community with values that matched their own.
We are deeply gratified that the Memorial is making an impact, and that the vision set over 20 years ago is now so close to being fully realized. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned.
With gratitude,
Val Tollefson, President
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association
