JAPANESE AMERICAN VETERANS HONORED DURING THE 75TH COMMEMORATION

 

Veterans of four military units comprised primarily of Americans of Japanese ancestry (AJAs) will be honored in this year’s commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the December 7, 1941 attack on Oahu that thrust the United States into World War II.  “Fighting Two Wars: A Tribute to AJA Veterans” will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center as part of a variety of educational and memorial events scheduled for the dates of December 1-11.

The luncheon will be held from 11:00am to 2:00pm on Monday, December 5th and will be attended by many of the remaining AJA veterans of the war and members of their families.  The tribute luncheon will include addresses by Hawai’i Governor David Ige and former Governor George Ariyoshi.

The honored guests are the AJAs who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion.  The soldiers who fought in those units answered post-Pearl Harbor suspicion and bigotry with unsurpassed service.

These units were among the most honored of all American military groups during the war.  Hundreds of their soldiers received medals of valor, including more than twenty who were awarded the nation’s highest tribute, the Medal of Honor.

While most of the seating has already been reserved for the luncheon, there is still room for individuals and organizations that wish to attend.  Tickets can be purchased online at PearlHarbor75thAnniversary.com.  Veterans of the units may also contact their respective veteran clubs.  World War II veterans and one companion can attend the luncheon at no cost; another three family members may attend for a low price of $75 each, with additional family members at $125 each.  Tickets for the general public are available at $200, with tables of ten available for purchase.

Central Pacific Bank, which was formed after the war by AJA veterans, will be the primary sponsor of the luncheon, but donations have also been received from a variety of other individuals and organizations who want to recognize these soldiers.

At the time of the attack, Hawai’i’s population was only about 425,000 people, with Japanese comprising the largest ethnic group.  Most were citizens by birth, but Japan’s attack made them objects of fear and suspicion.  They answered by volunteering for the Army in record numbers and earning an unsurpassed record of service and sacrifice.  More than 500 of the AJA soldiers from Hawai’i died in combat during the war, almost twice as many as all other Hawaii ethnic groups combined.

Upon their return to the islands after the war, many of the AJA veterans helped to change Hawaii and win its acceptance as the 50th State in 1959. They included U.S. Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga, as well as many others.

Themed, “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” the 11 days of unprecedented events and ceremonies will pay tribute to those who lost their lives, the survivors who endured hardship and pain, and to the thousands who fought in WWII.  The last of the survivors who experienced that emotional awakening will be on O’ahu for the 75th Commemoration.

Centered around December 7th, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the 75th Commemoration will focus the world’s attention on Hawaii and provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience events and memorials dedicated to USS Utah, USS Oklahoma, and the USS Arizona.  A reception to honor Japanese American Veterans; Remember Pearl Harbor documentary premiere; “December 7th Remembered” gala tribute; Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band free live performance; Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade; keynote speakers; five nights of Movies on Waikīkī Beach, and four live benefit performances featuring the Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood are also planned.

The 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration welcomes Hawai’i residents, visitors from across the country and around the world. Whether you’re visiting Hawai’i during December or anytime throughout this anniversary year, learn more about the attack on Pearl Harbor and O’ahu, shop online for official memorabilia, and support our historic parks in any way you can.

For more information about the 75th Commemoration, its full schedule and other details, visit pearlharbor75thanniversary.com, email info@nullpearlharbor75thanniversary.com or call the toll free hotline at (877) 589-8898 or (808) 589-5592.  You can also follow the festivities on social media, #pearlharbor75 and on Facebook.