57th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage: Vigilance is the Price of Democracy 

Lessons from Manzanar to be explored on Saturday, April 25, 2026

LOS ANGELES —The Manzanar Committee announced that the 57th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at noon at the Manzanar National Historic Site. This year’s pilgrimage promises to be a dynamic community gathering where we remember the lessons of the World War II incarceration in the context of the current political climate. The theme for 2026 is Lessons from Manzanar: Vigilance is the Price of Democracy. 

Manzanar Co-Chair Bruce Embrey stated, “The significance of our annual Manzanar Pilgrimage has never been greater than it is today. As the assault on our democracy, the militarization of our cities, and the building of massive concentration camps unfolds, we need to come together like we did during the Redress Movement and fight for our democracy. My mother, the late Sue Kunintomi Embrey, always reminded us that democracy was fragile, so we must make every effort to protect it when we recognize injustice.”

Manzanar Pilgrimage draws thousands annually, including hundreds of college students from Nikkei Student Unions in California, families of camp survivors, and many others interested in history and social justice. In the evening, students gather with community members to discuss the impact of World War II incarceration at the Manzanar at Dusk program at Lone Pine High School at 5pm.

Buses to the 2026 Manzanar Pilgrimage are now available. Reservations for bus transportation will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Complimentary rides are available for those who were incarcerated at any of the former U.S. concentration camps or other confinement sites during World War II.

To reserve seats on the Little Tokyo bus, fill out the form at: https://bit.ly/manzanarbus2026

To reserve seats on the Gardena bus, fill out the form at: https://gvjci.wufoo.com/forms/q1on4szl0f4a129/

Every year this event is made possible thanks to the generosity of many volunteers. Those interested in volunteering at the Manzanar Pilgrimage are invited to fill out this volunteer interest form: https://bit.ly/manzanarvolunteer2026

Further details about the 57th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage and the 2026 Manzanar At Dusk program will be announced at a later date.

Both the Manzanar Pilgrimage and the Manzanar At Dusk program are free and open to the public. For more information, call (323) 662-5102, or send e-mail to info@manzanarcommittee.org.

###