📌APIA Every Day (109) - The Vedanta Hindu Temple, located in San Francisco, California, stands as the oldest universal Hindu temple in the West. Designed by Swami Trigunatitananda, who oversaw the Vedanta Society of San Francisco, along with architect Joseph A. Leonard, the temple's construction began in 1905, and it commenced services in 1906, just before the great San Francisco earthquake struck that same year. Remarkably, the temple remained undamaged. However, in 1914, it became the target of a bombing when a former student detonated explosives while Trigunatitananda was speaking during a service, making him the first martyr of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Movement.

Swami Trigunatiatnanda envisioned the temple as an architectural embodiment of religious harmony, echoing the central theme of his Guru Sri Ramakrishna’s message to the modern world. Thus, it does not follow a traditional Indian temple design. Instead, each of its four towers on the roof and the small tower at the entrance to the auditorium showcases unique architectural influences, drawing inspiration from Shiva temples of Bengal, the Varanasi temple, medieval Christian churches, the Taj Mahal, and Muslim mosques. The veranda running along the north and east sides of the building on the third-floor features sculpted arches in Moorish style. Beyond the auditorium, the temple also housed monks' quarters and administrative offices.

In 1959, major activities were relocated to the New Temple, constructed at the northwest corner of Vallejo and Fillmore Streets, a few blocks away from the Old Temple. The Old Temple underwent significant renovations, including seismic retrofitting. A Re-Dedication Ceremony for the Old Temple was held on October 29 (Kali Puja Day) and October 30, 2016, graced by a senior monk from Belur Math and attended by about a dozen monks from across North America. The temple's significance led to its recommendation by the NPS AAPI National Historic Landmark Theme Study for fulfilling Events and Architecture NHL criteria.

Located in Seattle, Washington, the Pike Place Public Market was established by the Seattle City Council, enabling residents to purchase fresh farm produce directly from local growers. The market opened on August 17, 1907, drawing nearly 10,000 customers who quickly bought out the produce of the eight farmers present. By the year's end, construction began on a long narrow shed housing 76 stalls for farmers and food vendors, offering some protection from the weather.

Given Pike Place Market's success, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenging history of the Japanese American community, which faced significant xenophobia while establishing their livelihoods in Seattle and at the Market. Issei farmers, among the first to sell produce on opening day, played a crucial role in the market's growth. Despite outnumbering white farmers two to one, they encountered discriminatory practices in stall assignments, with preferential treatment given to white farmers. Japanese farmers were pivotal to Pike Place Market's success, supplying 75% of the fruits and vegetables sold.

During World War II, the forced incarceration of Japanese American farmers deeply impacted the Market community. The Market Foundation, established in 1982 to provide service and support for the Market community, acknowledges the profound harm and generational impact of Japanese-American incarceration on the Market on the Day of Remembrance. In 2019, the Market Foundation received the Community Service Award from Seattle's Japanese American Citizens League (JACL).

The significance of the Japanese community's contributions to Pike Place Market is commemorated in various ways, including the preservation of cherry blossom trees. The City of Seattle replaced 40-year-old cherry blossom trees at the Market's entrance with eight new ones on Pike Street in 2023, symbolizing the historic meaning of sakura and honoring the Japanese community's contributions. Moreover, the Market is home to several AAPI-owned businesses in the Seattle area that continue to flourish. In 1971, the Market was designated as a National Register of Historic Places and a Market Historical District. Over the following decade, extensive restoration and redevelopment efforts transformed Pike Place Market into the bustling, vibrant community it is today, fueled by both public and private investment.

📌APIA Every Day (108) - Situated in San Francisco, California, the Gran Oriente Filipino Hotel is a three-story-over-basement rooming house at 104-106 South Park, constructed in 1907. In the 1920s, as Filipino men began arriving in California (Filipino women were not allowed entry until the repeal of anti-miscegenation laws in 1948), a group of 40 pooled their money and purchased the property for $6000. Their acquisition followed the passage of the Luce-Celler Act in 1946, which allowed Filipinos who had arrived in the US prior to 1934 to naturalize and subsequently purchase property in California.

Named after Gran Oriente in honor of their fraternity in the Philippines, the 24-room hotel served as a meeting place and provided an affordable, flexible housing option for Filipinos, who were often away at sea or traveling throughout the San Joaquin Valley or along the West Coast in search of seasonal agricultural work. By 1940, the Gran Oriente in the United States had 700 members, with lodges throughout California, Hawaii, and in the cities of Seattle, Phoenix, New York, and Newark. For over eight decades, the Gran Oriente Filipino hotel offered a space to live, socialize, and celebrate Filipino culture amidst significant national and international political and demographic changes and local neighborhood gentrification.

With the demolition of Manilatown in 1977, the closure of dozens of Filipino residential hotels in San Francisco, and the effects of gentrification in the neighborhood, the resident population of the Gran Oriente Filipino Hotel began to dwindle. Concerns about the hotel’s continuity sparked discussions within the Filipino community regarding who would be the next owner. However, in 2018, Mission Housing Development Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating and preserving high-quality affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, acquired the property. To honor the legacy of the Filipino men who purchased the building, along with the flourishing Filipino community in the area, the nonprofit worked in conjunction with SOMCAN, SOMA Pilipinas, and the Filipino Community Development Corporation. A year later, in 2019, the Gran Oriente Filipino Hotel was nominated for the National Register of Historic Places with support from the APIAHiP board directors for its listing.

📌APIA Every Day (107) - Located on the northeastern coast of Guam in Yigo, Pågat (meaning "counsel" or "advice" in the CHamoru language) is one of only four recorded latte sites and is an important cultural resource for the CHamoru people. A large, permanent latte village developed on this relatively isolated limestone bench and continued to be occupied until the 16th or even 17th century. It is believed that the remnants of the village indicate that Pågat was part of a larger exchange network. Because Pågat was occupied before, during, and after the arrival of the Spanish, one of the most important events in the history of the Mariana Islands, its significance to cultural historians and archaeologists is paramount.

Pågat, along with Nisichau (Nisi’an), Pigpug (Pipok), and Malesso’, was one of four church parishes into which Guam was partitioned in 1672, shortly after the introduction of Christianity to the Marianas. A wooden church was erected in Pågat in January 1672, although it was apparently destroyed during warfare between the CHamorus and the Spanish. There appear to be no records of the church having been rebuilt. Given the limited range of resources in the immediate environment of the site and the relatively expensive nature of most procurement and processing activities, it is unlikely that the inhabitants of Pågat existed as an isolated settlement. The presence of items such as volcanic stone demonstrates that this village was part of a larger exchange network.

In 2010, the proposal by the US Department of Defense to use Pågat as a site for a firing range to train US Marines generated heated debate over issues of accommodating military activities while protecting one of Guamʼs most significant heritage sites. The very public effort of local residents to remove Pågat from the militaryʼs list of sites considered for the firing range, as well as the militaryʼs plans to mitigate the potential loss of cultural resources, point to both sidesʼ recognition of the area as being culturally significant. However, it was the effort to educate the larger public about Pågat’s history that revealed the deep-seated desires of members of the CHamoru community to protect this area at an extraordinary cost and pointed out the need for broader and more creative ways to educate people about these unique places around the island.

Today, the yo’amte (traditional healers) continue to visit Pågat to seek advice from the spirits and collect herbs for medicines. Fishermen still frequent this coastline, and many others hike in to learn about Guam’s past or to simply reflect on Guam’s heritage and be inspired by the spectacular scenery. The area has been included on the Guam Register of Historic Places as well as the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. These designations by the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation and the US National Park Service attest to the historic significance of the site, and in 2010, the National Trust for Historic Preservation included Pågat on America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list.

📌APIA Every Day (106) - Nestled on Ofu Island in American Samoa, the To'aga site holds immense historical and archaeological significance, spanning nearly three millennia of Samoan history. The site boasts a deep and continuous sequence of ceramics dating back over 3000 years, revealing how early inhabitants shaped the landscape and biota, with the discovery of bird bones suggesting significant impacts on the island's bird population. Meticulously studied, it received notable research funding from the Samoa Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.

The archaeological findings at To'aga offer insights into the complex interactions between early Samoans and their environment, shedding light on indigenous practices, including subsistence strategies and cultural activities. Moreover, the site serves as a valuable resource for understanding broader migration and settlement patterns in the Pacific region. Today, while the To'aga site is uninhabited, local legends persist, such as the To'aga Aitu. Deeply ingrained in Samoan culture, many locals share eerie encounters and show serious respect for these entities. Historical accounts highlight warnings from islanders about the presence of aitu at the To'aga site, with reports of ghostly visitations prompting the relocation of a dispensary due to persistent disturbances attributed to these spirits, reflecting the enduring cultural significance and spiritual connections in the collective memory of the Samoan people.

📌APIA Every Day (105) - Established on February 20, 1920, in Glenn County, California, the Willows Korean Aviation School played a significant role in training fighter pilots for the Korean Independence Movement. Financially supported by Kim Chon-lim, a prominent figure in the Korean American community known as the “rice king” in the northern part of California, the school aimed to produce pilots who could aid in Korea's fight for sovereignty against Japanese rule. The school shut down a year later, ended by a flood that wiped out Chong-lim’s fortune, therefore leaving the school unsupported financially. The school is recognized by both Korean Americans and the Korean government as a pivotal heritage site.

Many notable figures in Korean aviation, such as Park Hee-sung, Lee Yong-keun, and Song Yi-kyun, received their training at the Willows Korean Aviation School. Two graduates went on to join the Republic of Korea Air Force, solidifying the school's legacy as the predecessor of the modern Korean Air Force. Today, efforts by the Willows Memorial Foundation of Korea’s First Aviation School and Air Corps are underway to preserve the school's building and its surrounding airfield, ensuring that its historical significance is properly recognized.

📌APIA Every Day (104) - Situated in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, Fort Indiantown Gap, a resettlement and processing center, was established for thousands of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees after the fall of Saigon in 1975. Refugees first relocated to processing centers in Guam, the Philippines, Thailand, Wake Island and Hawaii before being flown to the four resettlement centers in the United States: Camp Pendleton in California, Fort Chafee in Arkansas, Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania. Refugees were then matched with sponsors through the processing center who agreed to provide food, clothing and shelter until they could become self-sufficient.

Fort Indiantown Gap’s history dates back to 1755 when the colonial government established forts for White settlers against the Susquehannock, an Iroquoian Native American group in Pennsylvania, who has long hunted and cultivated in the area. Moreover, the name “Indiantown Gap” was fashioned from the Native American presence and geography - “Indiantown” referring to the Native American villages and “Gap” pointing to the separation in the Blue Mountains made by a creek that runs through it. Fort Indiantown Gap was created in response to World War II when Pennsylvania agreed to lease the land to the U.S. Army as a training post. Today, the land continued to be managed by the military.

Following the Fall of Saigon and prior to the arrival of the refugees, Fort Indiantown Gap prepared beds, mess halls, medical care facilities, and other needed resources. Refugees began arriving at Harrisburg International Airport and arrived at Fort Indiantown Gap and then taken to an auditorium where they waited to be photographed, interviewed and assigned living quarters. For eight months in 1975, Fort Indiantown Gap housed more than 20,000 Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees and slowly integrated them in American society. Additionally, the 1970s was not the only period in which Fort Indiantown Gap as a refugee processing center; Cuban began arriving to Fort Indiantown Gap during the 1980s after facing issues in the country.

While their significance in housing Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees in 1975, and later cubans in 1980, is important, it is even more important to remember the land that was owned and taken by the Susquehannock Native Americans in the 1750s.

📌APIA Every Day (103) - Bodie Historic District, a town formed during the California Gold Rush, is located 7 miles south of Bridgeport, California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As part of the California Gold Rush, many Chinese came to live and work in Bodie during its early years. When gold was discovered in the Mono Lake region in 1852, William Bodey and E.S. Taylor claimed and established camp in the area. After Bodey’s death, and the discovery of large deposits of gold and silver, the population boomed as people streamed into Bodie in search of riches.

By 1878, many Chinese immigrants came to Bodie from Southern China as contract laborers. They settled on the outskirts of the town in a Chinese community, or "Chinatown," northwest of Main and King Streets. The Chinese residents of Bodie faced discrimination in the local mines, which forced them to turn to service occupations for employment. They operated laundries, peddled vegetables (shipped in by express), supplied charcoal, and provided most of the wood used in the town. Bodie's Chinatown was made up of two- and three-story wooden buildings and included general stores, homes, laundries, boarding houses, a restaurant, opium dens, a Taoist temple, saloons, and gambling establishments. Newspaper accounts depicted a thriving community and mentioned Chinese New Year's celebrations and large funerals. At its peak in 1880, several hundred Chinese lived in Bodie's Chinatown. However, as the supply of mineable material became scarce, people began to leave the area. This was exacerbated by fires in 1892 and 1932, downsizing the town significantly. Finally, in 1942, the War Production Board officially suspended mining operation, causing the last residents of Bodie to leave shortly thereafter.

Today, 110 buildings still stand in and around the town and building interiors remain as they were left, still stocked with goods and furniture. The Bodie Historic District was designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1961 and a State Historic Park in 1962.

📌APIA Every Day (102) - The Heart Mountain Relocation Center, situated in Wyoming, was one of ten camps that detained Japanese Americans from California, Washington, and Oregon during World War II. Construction commenced in June 1942, with the first detainees arriving in August of the same year. At its peak, it stood as the third-largest camp in Wyoming, sprawling across 46,000 acres primarily designated for farming.

Life in Heart Mountain was characterized by harsh conditions, influenced by the dry desert environment. Hastily constructed barracks provided little protection from the elements, compelling families to fashion makeshift insulation using newspapers and rags. Moreover, guard towers and barbed wire fences bordered the camp, subjecting detainees to round-the-clock surveillance. Amidst these challenging circumstances and the push for Japanese Americans to join the military, a draft resistance movement emerged. The Fair Play Committee, composed of Nisei men, advocated for the restoration of civil rights before compliance with the military draft. This dissent resulted resistance leaders and older men to receive sentences of three to four years in the maximum-security penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas; the rest were subjected to three-year sentences in the penitentiary at McNeil Island, Washington. Among the Japanese Americans who were forcefully enlisted were members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated units in the U.S. military. Tragically, eleven soldiers from Heart Mountain lost their lives, while two were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Today, a few buildings still stand, including a hospital complex and administrative structures. The site also features a reconstruction of the Honor Roll memorial, paying tribute to those from the camp who served. Through these remnants and memorials, the tragic history of Heart Mountain is preserved, serving as a reminder of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II. The Heart Mountain Relocation Center was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2007.

📌APIA Every Day (101) - The Wailua Complex of Heiaus, traditionally named Wailuanui-hoano or "great, sacred Wailua," was the principal residence of Kauai’s paramount chief (ali’i nui) and a site imbued with mana and kapu due to its location of several important heiaus. The constructed heiaus and archaeological findings in the area symbolized the impressive degree of religious, political, and economic power that had evolved on Kauai. Housing several significant sites including Hikinaakala, Holoholoku, Malae, and Poliahu heiaus, a place of refuge called Hauola, ancient petroglyphs, a royal birthstone, and a bellstone, these heiaus served various social and cultural functions.

Four heiaus are commonly referenced in the Wailua Complex of Heiaus: Hikinaakala, Holoholoku, Malae, and Poliahu. Hikinaakala (the rising sun) Heiau, next to the mouth of the Wailua River, was used to welcome the sun, and traditionally, the sunrise was celebrated with chants and prayers. The Holoholoku Heiau, known as Kalaeokamanu Heiau and traditionally called Ka Lae o Ka Manu (the crest of the bird), is believed to be Kauai’s oldest heiau. Nearby is the Pohaku Ho'ohanau, the royal birthstone, and Pohaku Piko, the ceremonial place for women to deliver their child to ensure their chiefly status. Polilahu Heiau, a luakini heiau, is located on a bluff above the Wailua River; legend says that it was built by the Menehune to create large-scale projects, such as temples and fishponds. The Wailua Bellstone, a reddish basalt boulder, was used to announce important events such as royal births or the approach of chiefly or religious processions. Lastly, the Malae Heiau, near the mouth of Wailua River, is a luakini heiau and is the largest heiau remaining on the island and one of the largest surviving temple platforms in the Hawaiian Islands.

These sites, alongside others in Wailua River State Park, point towards Hawaii’s cultural, religious, economic, and political power. They played an important role in the evolution of Hawaiian culture and tradition on the island. The Wailua Complex of Heiaus was nominated as a National Historic Landmark in 1988.

📌APIA Every Day (100) - The Nepali Cultural and Spiritual Center, situated in Euless, Texas, is an upcoming project set to become a cultural hub for Nepalese immigrants and their families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With an estimated cost of $6 million, the project will be developed in three phases to accommodate the growing Nepali population, which now stands at around 40,000 in North Texas. Its mission is to provide a common gathering place for Nepali Hindus and Buddhists to preserve their cultural heritage, promote social and religious harmony, and practice Nepali cultural values, thereby fostering a sense of community and unity among Nepali immigrants.

The new center will feature a 15,000-square-foot community center offering various services such as medical facilities, tutoring rooms, a cafeteria, and a business incubation center. Subsequent phases will involve the construction of Hindu and Buddhist temples, meticulously designed replicas of shrines from Kathmandu, Nepal, alongside a prayer and worship hall. The final phase will focus on wedding venues for Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies.

Nepalese immigration to the U.S. has evolved over time. Historically, the community faced barriers due to restrictions on emigration from Nepal. Formal recognition of Nepali immigrants occurred in 1975, but significant increases in immigration didn't occur until factors like the Diversity Visa Program and the Nepalese Civil War, which lasted from 1996 to 2006. This violent conflict displaced many people, particularly in western Nepal, prompting more Nepalis to view immigrating to the U.S. as an option.

Despite challenges, various immigration pathways, including education visas, Temporary Protected Status, and DACA, exist for Nepali immigrants. Emerging enclaves like "mini-Nepal" in Jackson Heights, Queens, reflect the growth of the Nepali community in the U.S. Alongside centers like the Irving Nepalese Cultural Center, which has now expanded to the Euless Nepali Cultural and Spiritual Center, these institutions play a vital role in aiding integration and preserving cultural identity among Nepali immigrants in the U.S.

📌APIA Every Day (99) - The Chagui'an Massacre Site, located in Yigo, Guam, was the site of a brutal massacre in 1944, where 45 native CHamoru men were beheaded by Japanese soldiers. The victims, aged between 15 and 76, were forced to carry war supplies from the Manengon concentration camp in Yona to the Japanese command post situated at Milalak, Yigo, near Chagui’an. Often referred to as the "forgotten massacre" due to its limited awareness, the site was recently uncovered through old military documents, handwritten reports from U.S. Marines, and oral accounts by CHamoru war survivors.

The site highlights the intense suffering endured by Guam's indigenous CHamoru population during the Imperial Japanese military occupation. This massacre was part of a broader pattern of brutality inflicted upon the CHamorus underscoring the impact of World War II on the island. Efforts spearheaded by individuals such as John Blaz, chairman of the Chagui’an Massacre memorial, and Yigo Mayor Rudy Matanane, have focused on identifying the victims and facilitating their families' applications for war reparations. Moreover, family members have come forward recounting stories passed down through generations about their lost relatives.

Memorials and commemorations, such as the annual memorial Mass, serve as reminders of Guam's wartime history and honor the victims of atrocities like the Chagui'an Massacre. These events unite survivors, descendants, military personnel, and officials to pay respects and ensure that the memories of those lost are remembered. At the massacre site, a cross and 45 candles stand in memory of the CHamoru men and boys who suffered, accompanied by a sign recounting the history of the events that unfolded there.

📌APIA Every Day (98) - The "Sowing Seeds" exhibition at the Museum of Art and History (MAH) sheds light on Filipino American life, focusing on migration and labor experiences in Watsonville and the greater Pajaro Valley from the 1930s to the present day. Featuring oral histories, family heirlooms, and contemporary artworks, it offers insights into the lives of the manong and manang generation - Filipino migrants who came to the U.S. for low-wage agricultural jobs. Showcasing 52 family objects and 13 oral histories from 18 collections, the exhibition provides a look into the past while addressing present-day narratives of belonging, community formation, and memory preservation. This exhibition, running from April 12 to August 4, 2024, is the culmination of a four-year research initiative called "Watsonville is in the Heart" (WIITH), involving community members, the grassroots organization, the Tobera Project, UC Santa Cruz students, scholars, and curators.

In January 1930 in Watsonville, California, hundreds of armed white men took to the streets, targeting and beating Filipino American workers, accusing them of stealing jobs and women. The riots culminated in the death of 22-year-old Fermin Tobera, sparking further unrest across the state. Ninety years later, the city of Watsonville issued an official apology to the local Filipino community for the riots, acknowledging the violence and discrimination faced by Filipino-Americans during that time. Roy Recio, leading the Tobera Project, emphasized the importance of recognizing not only the riots but also the contributions of the Filipino community to the area's development. Community members called for further actions beyond the apology, including incorporating the history of the riots into the education system, erecting physical memorials like statues or murals, and supporting initiatives benefiting the Filipino community, such as scholarship programs - which exacerbated the need for the “Sowing Seeds” exhibition.

Additionally, eight California-based contemporary artists, including Minerva Amistoso, Binh Danh, Ant Lorenzo, Sandra Lucille, Johanna Poethig, Ruth Tabancay, Jenifer Wofford, and Connie Zheng, were invited to interpret these memories and experiences through various artistic mediums such as installation, photography, illustration, and film. The exhibition also features archival materials from 17 family collections, which have been part of the Watsonville is in the Heart Digital Archive.

"Sowing Seeds" is the continuation and preservation of Filipino histories. By commemorating the hardships and realities of Filipino communities in the 1930s, the exhibition illustrates this overlooked history of Filipino Americans in the Parajo Valley.

📌APIA Every Day (97) - Otomisan Japanese Restaurant, located in Boyle Heights, California, stands as one of the last remaining Japanese legacy businesses in the neighborhood. Established in 1956 by Mr. and Mrs. Seto as Otomi Cafe, it served as one of the earliest Japanese restaurants in the area, which was once a vibrant Japanese American enclave. Following World War II, Boyle Heights became a focal point for Japanese American settlement after the closure of incarceration camps. Despite the neighborhood's transition into a predominantly Latino community over the decades, Otomisan retained its status as a cherished establishment, offering traditional Japanese dishes such as salmon chirashi bowls and tonkatsu cutlets.

In the early 1970s, the Setos sold the restaurant to Mr. and Mrs. Seino, who renamed it Otomisan. However, in the early 2000s, Mr. Seino passed away, leading to a temporary closure of Otomisan for six months. With Mr. Seino serving as both the owner and the sole cook, his absence posed significant challenges to the business's continuation. Nonetheless, Otomisan persevered when Yayoi Watanabe, the current owner, took over in 2005. Recognizing the importance of preserving the restaurant's legacy, Watanabe convinced the widow to sell it to her. With its cozy atmosphere and authentic Japanese comfort food, Otomisan continues to attract a diverse clientele, bridging generational and cultural divides.

Despite facing various challenges, Otomisan remains as evidence of the significant Japanese American population that once thrived in the area. The property achieved Historic-Cultural Monument listing in January 2022, further solidifying its place in Boyle Heights' rich cultural heritage.

📌APIA Every Day (96) - The Poston Internment Camp, situated in La Paz County, southwestern Arizona, stands as the largest of the ten American concentration camps in terms of area, sprawling across 71,000 acres of desert. Positioned within the Colorado River Native American Reservation, its establishment was contested by the Tribal Council, who vehemently opposed repeating the injustices inflicted upon their own tribe. Despite objections, three separate camps—Roasten, Toastin, and Dustin—were erected in close proximity, reflecting the harsh desert landscape and the nearby Colorado River.

At its peak, Poston hosted over 17,000 internees, primarily from Southern California, making it the third largest "city" in Arizona at the time. Additionally, the camp held people from Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. The Salinas, Santa Anita, and Pinedale Assembly Centers in California, as well as the Mayer Assembly Center in Arizona, sent their populations to Poston. Named after Charles Debrille Poston, a figure instrumental in the establishment of the Colorado River Reservation in 1865, the camp incarcerated thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Initially designated as the Parker Dam Reception Center upon partial opening on May 8, Poston served as one of two sites supplementing the temporary "assembly centers," where Japanese Americans awaited transfer to more permanent War Relocation Authority (WRA) camps. Despite the remote location, guarded by a single fence, Poston's isolation subjected those incarcerated to harsh conditions. The hurried construction and scarce resources led to horrible living conditions, exacerbated by extreme desert weather. Disease outbreaks, specifically tuberculosis, plagued the camp, intensified by inadequate medical care. Tensions simmered due to these living conditions, evident in the November 1942 incident when violence and strikes occurred.

When the camp closed in November 1945, many Japanese Americans faced continued hardship due to a lack of funds and housing, as the land reverted to the Colorado River Native American Tribes. In 1992, the Poston Memorial Monument was constructed in memory of those who were incarcerated at the camp. Spearheaded by survivors and their families, the monument stands as a reminder of the Japanese American struggle in the U.S. during World War II.

📌APIA Every Day (95) - Yen Ngoc Do was a prominent figure in the Vietnamese American community, particularly known for his contributions as the founder for Nguoi Viet Daily News, the oldest and largest Vietnamese daily publication and his role in the establishment of Little Saigon in Orange County, California. Born in Saigon in 1941, Do displayed both intellectual and leadership qualities from a young age, notably as editor of his high school newspaper during a tumultuous period of French colonialism in Vietnam's history.

Bo entered the newspaper business through an unconventional route. During the Vietnam War, he served as a combat correspondent for many publications, including Dai Dan Toc, an anti-establishment daily. His reporting helped him meet foreigners, among them an American professor who secured seats for him and his family on one of the last planes to the U.S., in April 1975, in the harrowing hours before Saigon fell. The Do family arrived at Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps base outside of San Diego, California. They were among the first political refugees from Vietnam to arrive at a resettlement camp in 1975. At Camp Pendleton, Do continued his leadership by founding a library. Because he spoke fluent English, American military and civilian authorities who were involved in the Vietnamese resettlement endeavor began to turn to Do for guidance. The refugees relied on him to be their spokesman and advisor.

In 1978, Do founded Nguoi Viet Daily News, meaning “the Vietnamese people”, focused on informing and educating Vietnamese immigrants about life in America and events in their homeland. Starting from humble beginnings, the newspaper grew under Do's leadership into a prestigious publication with a global readership. Today, the newspaper has a daily circulation of 18,000 across the globe and in areas with large Vietnamese enclaves. In the beginning, Do sought to inform and educate his fellow refugees about the American way of life while providing accurate, timely and in-depth news about the Vietnamese homeland under communist rule.

Throughout his life, Do was dedicated to serving the Vietnamese community, providing not only news but also support and assistance to refugees and immigrants. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions, including the Sky Dunlap Lifetime Achievement Award from the Orange County Press Club in 1999 and recognition from the Asian American Journalists Association and the Orange County Press Club. Do has also been recognized with an Ethics in Business Award from the Chamber of Commerce in the city of Westminster, home to Little Saigon

In 2005, a $30,000 Yen Do Scholarly Research Grant was launched at California State University, Fullerton, to foster faculty research into the Vietnamese and Southeast Asian communities. A year later, the $25,000 Yen Do Vietnam Fellowship was established at the University of Southern California to fund research and publication of original immigrant stories written by students following an internship at Do's paper.

Do passed away in 2006, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the Vietnamese American community and the journalism industry. More than 3,000 people attended his viewing and funeral services held over four days, with President George W. Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sending published condolences. In 2008, the Newseum located in Washington, DC, dedicated a permanent exhibit to Do and his lifelong work. Nguoi Viet continues to be a trusted news source and a symbol of the resilience and unity of the Vietnamese diaspora; in Little Saigon, this newspaper has been giving a community a voice for over 40 years. How can we continue to remember his legacy through place-based historic preservation practices?

📌APIA Every Day (94) - Leluh Ruins, a major prehistoric and culturally rich site located on Lelu Island, part of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia, encompasses the remains of a city that flourished around the 14th and 15th centuries. Constructed using limestone, coral, and basalt, the city housed over 1000 people within a highly organized and hierarchical society. Ruled by chiefs with a complex governance system, including a council of elders and inherited laws, Leluh served as a significant center for trade, culture, and religion, exerting influence over neighboring islands. Primarily built from coral and basalt blocks, the city comprised housing, royal tombs, and sacred spaces, with the materials and spatial arrangements reflecting social hierarchies. Despite its prominence, the city's decline began in the mid-19th century with the arrival of whalers, traders, and missionaries.

Studies have revealed various structures within Leluh, such as tombs, religious buildings, and food storage facilities, showcasing its advanced urban planning and prosperous society before European contact. Regarded as one of Micronesia's most significant archaeological sites, Leluh Ruins offer insights into the political, economic, cultural, social, and religious aspects of its inhabitants' lives, contributing to the preservation of Micronesia's cultural heritage.

However, environmental degradation, pollution, and vandalism threaten the site's preservation, underscoring the importance of preserving Leluh Ruins which represents a part of Micronesia's rich history. Efforts are already being made by archeologists, locals, and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

📌APIA Every Day (93) - Sakura Square, a small plaza located on the north/east side of the intersection of 19th Street and Larimer Street in Denver, Colorado, derives its name from the Japanese word for "cherry blossom," reflecting its significance as a tranquil space amidst the bustling downtown area. The roots of Sakura Square trace back to the early 1970s when it was developed as part of a revitalization effort spearheaded by the nearby Denver Buddhist Temple. Recognizing the importance of preserving their cultural enclave, the Japanese community opted to reclaim the neighborhood in 1971, purchasing the Sakura Square block from the Denver Urban Renewal Authority. This initiative aimed to enhance the neighborhood with affordable housing, commercial establishments, and a Japanese garden paying homage to influential figures in Colorado's Japanese American history. The vision for Sakura Square materialized swiftly, with Tamai Tower constructed as its centerpiece—a twenty-story apartment complex with commercial spaces on its lower floors.

Denver's Japanese American community has deep roots, with the Buddhist Temple serving as its focal point since its establishment in 1916. The community witnessed significant growth post-World War II, particularly as Japanese Americans sought refuge in Denver to evade internment, supported by Governor Ralph Carr from 1939 to 1943. The square contains busts of Governor Carr, Minoru Yasui, a Japanese American lawyer [APIA Every Day 61], and Yoshitaka Tamai, a Buddhist priest who lived in Denver.

Since its dedication in 1973, Sakura Square has evolved, transitioning its residential units to market-rate housing in 2014. While original businesses no longer exist, Pacific Mercantile remains open in the area. Today, Sakura Square continues to represent Japanese American culture, hosting the annual Cherry Blossom Festival—a celebration attracting thousands with its showcase of traditional arts, performances, and cultural exhibits. As Denver's Japanese community flourishes and evolves, Sakura Square remains a cherished landmark, offering a vibrant cultural hub within the landscape.

📌APIA Every Day (92) - The Weaverville Joss House, constructed in 1874, stands as the oldest continuously used Chinese temple—or Joss House—in California, earning the name “The Temple among the Trees beneath the Clouds.” Originally established by Chinese gold miners amid California's 1849 gold rush, it showcases an array of artifacts including art objects, pictures, mining tools, and weaponry from the 1854 Tong War, serving as a reminder of the important role Chinese immigrants played in shaping early Californian history.

In 1983, Moon Lim Lee, the final Chinese caretaker of the Joss House and descendant of its founder in 1874, established the Weaverville Joss House Association. Alongside his wife Dorothy, they donated “The Temple of the Forest beneath the Clouds” to California State Parks in 1956, aiming to both preserve the structure and raise awareness of Chinese cultural contributions in California. Today, the association remains committed to supporting State Park efforts in preserving the temple, erected by Mr. Lee’s ancestors.

Fully preserved by 1956, the temple was designated as a state park, maintaining its original interior while reconstructing its exterior with amenities such as a visitor center, parking lot, and the Kuan Yin pool. Additionally, extensive restoration efforts were underway, including the stabilization of the temple's structure and restoration of historical objects. In 1989, a box was discovered at the visitor center containing one of the stolen Chinese Guardian Lions from the 1934 theft. Consequently, the state of California commissioned a new pair of lions crafted by traditional artisans in China, further enriching the temple’s cultural tapestry.

The Weaverville Joss House stands as a cherished relic of California's Chinese legacy, enshrining a rich cultural heritage within its walls. Through the state’s preservation efforts, this Taoist temple serves as a reminder of the contributions made by the Chinese immigrant community in California.

📌APIA Every Day (91) - Kasama, located in Chicago, Illinois, stands as the first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the United States. Its name, the Tagalog word meaning "together" or "partner," symbolized the fusion of Filipino culinary traditions and French pastries, and the partnership between owners Tim Flores and Genie Kwon. Situated in the East Ukrainian Village neighborhood, near where Flores's parents first settled upon arriving in the States, Kasama opened its doors on July 29, 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the restaurant offered a diverse menu featuring Filipino delicacies such as kare-kare and mushroom adobo, alongside delectable pastries like croissants and ube basque cake.

Flores, with roots in Chicago and family ties to Imus, Cavite, Philippines, and Kwon, a Korean native born in New Orleans, met while working at the Bib Gourmand restaurant GT Fish & Oyster in Chicago. Their shared goal in opening Kasama was to make Filipino cuisine more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. Flores aims to elevate Filipino cuisine while staying true to its roots, dispelling stereotypes about it being cheap or overwhelming.

Kasama's recognition as the world's first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant is seen as a significant milestone in the rise of Filipino cuisine globally. Flores and Kwon aspire to popularize Filipino food, emphasizing its ability to bring people together and provide customers with a sense of a home away from home. They hope to inspire more chefs to explore and innovate within Filipino cuisine while maintaining its authenticity.

For Flores and Kwon, the privilege of cooking for others is a source of joy and fulfillment, especially when they witness the emotional impact their food has on their patrons. They view their work as a way to honor their heritage and give back to their community, hoping to leave a lasting impression on the culinary world. Kasama was nominated by the James Beard Foundation as the Best New Restaurant in 2022.