MEMORIAL DAY 2020

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The black granite walls of the Japanese American National War Memorial Court are etched with the names of the almost 1200 Japanese Americans who gave their lives in America’s wars. The Memorial Court is located at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles. For 20 years services have been held on the Memorial Day weekend to honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice of our heroes. Due to the worldwide pandemic, we will not be able to gather together this year to pay our respects in person.
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As most of us still remain “Safer at home” and services across the country have been cancelled, I ask that you and your family take a moment this Memorial Day to reflect on the gifts of freedom and dignity given to us as Americans of Japanese Ancestry. That gift was not free. It was paid for with the blood of young men who gave their lives in foreign lands, far from friends and family. Most had not yet even seen their 21st birthday. Please remember and appreciate their ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
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To see our Memorial Day message and the names of all who are honored at the Memorial Court, please visit the Memorial Court website at memorialcourtalliance.org There are also photos of prior events, some short bios of those who are on the walls as well as bios of some living heroes, and our short documentary featuring veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars, “Legacy Voices.”
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We are currently in a war against an invisible and silent enemy. Please remember and honor those medical workers, first responders and other frontline warriors who have given their lives in this battle. Be thankful for the many more who daily risk their lives to keep us safe. Please be careful and stay safe and healthy. I look forward to the day that we can once again come together to honor our heroes in person.
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Ken Hayashi
President, Veterans Memorial Court Alliance