Rep. Neguse, Sen. Bennet Issue Statement on the Passing of Bob Fuchigami

“I have waited many, many years to see the day where we can be certain that Amache, as a place of reflection, remembrance, honor, and healing, is protected for our current and future generations. President Biden’s signature on the Amache National Historic Site Act today brings me hope that we are finally closer to this certainty. My parents did not live to see this day. The time is not only right; it is long overdue.” – Bob Fuchigami on the enactment of the Amache National Historic Site Act (2022). 

Lafayette, CO — Today, Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Senator Michael Bennet issued a statement on the passing of Bob Fuchigami:  

“We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Fuchigami, a dear friend and an inspirational advocate. 

“Bob was just eleven years old when his family was ordered to leave their home in California with no explanation of their destination and sent to the Granada Relocation Center on the Eastern Plains of Colorado, known as Amache. At such a young age, he was victim to one of the darkest scars in our country’s history—the unconscionable incarceration of Japanese Americans.  

“After surviving Amache, Bob served our nation in the U.S. Navy, and then dedicated much of his adult life to ensuring the story of his family and others like them were never forgotten or repeated. We were honored to support him in this effort—standing by his side when visiting Amache in 2022 and celebrating with him when our work together designated Amache as a National Historic Site.  

“We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Fuchigami family and to all those who knew and loved Bob, as we did. His grace, fortitude, and endless wisdom will leave a lasting legacy.”

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