Americans of Japanese Ancestry World War II Memorial Alliance
The Japanese American Korean War Veterans
The Japanese American Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee
Veterans Memorial Court Alliance
Cordially invite you, your family and guests to attend the
JAPANESE AMERICAN VETERANS JOINT MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 11:00am
JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL COURT
Japanese American Cultural and Community Center
244 South San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
MC Ron Yamada began the Japanese American Veterans Joint Memorial Service by cuing the buglers of Redondo Union High School Marine Corps Jr. ROTC and Boy Scout Troop 379 to call “Assembly” and post the colors. After a blessing by Reverend Mark Nakagawa, Cadet Captain Caleb Cappasola led the Pledge of Allegiance and Helen Ota sang the National Anthem. GFB Board CEO Mitch Maki then welcomed the audience and thanked them for remembering our heroes who gave their lives so that we could live in freedom.
Colonel Russell Nakaishi was then introduced as the Keynote speaker. Col. Nakaishi has spent over 20 years with the California National Guard, State military Reserve and is the Commanding Officer of the 40th Support command. He asked those present to “remember that those we honor were young and vibrant members of our community…our sons, brothers, fathers and friends. Their hearts were touched by fire, they served their country when called and gave their lives in its defense. We owe them a debt which we cannot repay but we should perpetually honor.” He urged that we continue to gather on Memorial Day to honor those heroes and to celebrate the families, communities and the nation that can produce people capable of such sacrifices.
Representing all Gold Star mothers and fathers, Mrs. Yoko Nakamura and Mr. Paul Nakamura, were then escorted by 1st Sgt Steve Mick and Nisei Week Queen Alice Amano to make a floral presentation at the name of their son, Paul T. Nakamura who was killed in action in Iraq. Kaitlin Hara and Claire Imada then introduced family members of heroes whose names are etched on the walls of the Memorial Court as they made floral presentations, followed by representatives of veterans and community organizations.
The program was closed with Helen singing God Bless America, a 21 gun salute, Taps, the benediction by Reverend Ryuta Furumoto and the retiring of the colors. All attendees then made personal floral presentations and enjoyed a bento prepared by Chef Akira Hirose of the soon to open Azay Restuarant.