Former U.S. Rep. Norman Mineta and former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson participated in the event, as did Judge Robert Ito of California, whose parents met at the camp. Mineta and Simpson met as Boy Scouts when Mineta was interned at the camp with his family and have remained friends ever since.
Following the weekend’s theme, “Lessons from the Past, Guidance for the Future,” the speakers all told of the internment of Japanese-Americans, most of whom were American citizens, as a violation of constitutional rights that never should be repeated.
The opening was the culmination of many years of effort the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation and by Park County residents LaDonna Zall, Dave Reetz, John Collins, Pat Wolfe and Chester and Mary Blackburn.
In the weeks following its opening, the center has seen a steady flow of visitors and was visited by several school groups.
OTHER TOP STORIES FROM 2011
(View all these stories on our E-edition – http://www.etypeservices.com/Powell%20TribuneID160/Default.aspx )
• Bears kill two hikers, grizzlies stay endangered
• House explodes
• Trial and transition for Powell Police
• Chief retires, other staff changes on police force
• Surgeon files defamation suits
• Dramatic championship
• Brucellosis surveillance area expands
• Lots of water
• 2011 crop production, prices high
• A year of change for Park County Fair