2024 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage in Wyoming (July 25-27, 2024)

The 2024 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage was held by the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation from July 25 to 27 in Wyoming.

Various workshops, panels, and site visits were held on the 25th and 26th. On the 27th, a ceremony was held. It began with an opening declaration, raising of the American flag, the singing of the national anthem and a taiko performance. Remarks were then made by many people, including former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, Mr. David Mineta (son of former Secretary of Transportation, Mr. Norman Mineta), Ms. Erika Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President from the White House, and Ms. Shirley Higuchi, Chair of Heart Mountain Foundation, among others. An awards ceremony was also held to honor those who have made several contributions.

Also on the 27th, participants visited the sites of the hospital, barracks, important monuments, and the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, by bus or on foot, where they were briefed by former inmates as well as guides. Thereafter, the Mineta-Simpson Institute ribbon cutting took place. In the evening, a dinner and other events were held.

Invited by the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, Consul-General Yoichi Mikami and Consul Keiko Furutani attended the Pilgrimage. Mr. Masaru Sato, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in the U.S. also attended.