Back row, from left: Rodney Tanaka, Les Higa, Florence Unten, Linda Moriyama, Micky Nozawa, Steve Moriyama, Art Tanaka, Mike Miyamoto, Ron Ikejiri, David Miyoshi. Front row, from left; Sue Kunisaki, Paul Tarumoto, Sue Watanabe, Lynnie Tabata.
The City of Gardena presented Gardena Nisei Memorial VFW Post 1961 Commander Stephen Moriyama with a Certificate of Recognition for his 15 years of service as commander, his community service, and his service to the local veteran community.
The presentation by Mayor Pro Team Rodney Tanaka took place on Oct. 24 at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute.
In addition to the city presentation, VFW Post 1961 honored Sue Watanabe, who served as the post’s Women’s Club president for over 20 years.
The wife of the commander, Linda Moriyama, was also recognized by the post for her dedication and years of service to the post.
VFW Post 1961 Jr. Vice Commander Les Higa served as emcee. Other speakers included former Gardena City Councilmember Ron Ikejiri and VFW Post 1961 Adjutant Mike Miyamoto.
The nomination letter from Higa to the city reads as follows: “A milestone has recently been reached as Stephen Moriyama has continuously served the Gardena Nisei Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1961 as commander for 15 years. With his exemplary leadership, VFW Post 1961 has not only served the local veteran community but the community of Gardena as well.
“For many years, Commander Moriyama has been part of the planning leadership for the annual Compton Stand Down for homeless veterans as well as the Gardena Veterans Day services at City Hall. He was also part of the leadership for The Wall That Heals, which is the Vietnam War Memorial replica that came to Gardena in 2018.
“The annual Post 1961 Memorial Day services, under the direction of the commander, have always been a meaningful event of remembrance and honor for local veterans, families and friends.
“Over the past 15 years under Commander Moriyama’s leadership, Post 1961 has supported local youth organizations such as the Gardena High, North Torrance High and Redondo Union High Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs. Post 1961 is also a sponsor of Boy Scout Troop 378.
“The post has annually been responsible for preparing a highly popular food item, somen noodle salad, for the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute fundraising festival with the commander overseeing the creation of the delicious sauce to boiling the noodles. Over 400 servings made for this year’s event.
“To honor Commander Moriyama for his accomplishments in the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization and the community, Gardena Honda displayed his photo on their enormous sign as a highlighted veteran. What a treat that was for the post!
“Had it not been for Commander Moriyama’s unwavering dedication, guidance, effort and time, Post 1961 would have ceased to exist years ago. And over the many years, he has created great friendships with the leadership of Gardena and we have always enjoyed the great working relationship with the city.
“I would like to nominate Commander Stephen Moriyama for a City of Gardena Certificate of Commendation for his 15 years of service as commander to the Gardena Nisei Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1961 and for his decades of service to the community of Gardena.”