At the Japanese American National War Memorial Court last year, Rep. Mark Takano of Riverside was among the family members who honored soldiers killed in action during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and other conflicts.
The Veterans Memorial Court Alliance (VMCA), together with co-sponsors Go For Broke National Education Center, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Japanese American National Museum, Keiro and Little Tokyo Service Center, announced that on Saturday, May 23, at 11 a.m., the annual Memorial Day Service to honor all Japanese Americans who gave their lives in our nation’s wars will be held adjacent to the Japanese American National War Memorial Court (Memorial Court) at the JACCC, l244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo.
Our community and nation are forever indebted to these Japanese Americans from all wars, whose names are engraved on the four black granite walls of the Memorial Court for their supreme sacrifice for the United States of America.
We are pleased to announce that the keynote speaker will be Mayumi Kimura, deputy secretary, women veterans affairs, California Department of Veterans Affairs. Mistress of ceremonies will be Sharon Wada Maeda, VMCA board member and daughter of a Korean War veteran. Performing the national anthem and “God Bless America” will be vocalist Candice Shikai.
Also participating will be representatives from the many veteran and community organizations throughout the Southern California area. The Koyasan Buddhist Temple Boy Scout Troop 379 and the Redondo Union High School Marine Corp Jr. ROTC will again perform the uniformed ceremonies of the service. Representatives from the Buddhist and Christian faiths will offer prayers to these brave men.
Gold Star mothers, fathers and families who are in attendance will be acknowledged. Please check in at the registration table at the Memorial Court to confirm your attendance. All those for whom we have an address were invited by letter or email. If you wish to honor a hero and have not received our invitation, please contact Ken Hayashi, preferably by email, kenneth.s.hayashi@gmail.com, or by phone, (310) 833-0088.
We invite all members of the community to join us to remember and honor our heroes who gave their precious lives on our behalf. If you have any other questions about the services, please contact David Miyoshi at (310) 920-4872 or Ken Hayashi at (323) 833-0088.
We look forward to seeing you there.