Japanese American Veterans Association
We are an educational, patriotic, fraternal organization dedicated to maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom. Our members include veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars. Although the majority of our members are Americans of Japanese Ancestry, our members are not exclusively Japanese Americans.
Dear Members and Friends of JAVA,
A Legacy Without Borders
The past two years have marked a turning point for our organization. We aren’t just growing in numbers; we are expanding our footprint across the globe to ensure the story of the Nisei soldier is never forgotten.
Global Recognition and Honor
France: In Bruyères and Biffontaine, the local leadership honored us with medallions, celebrating the enduring bond formed during the liberation in WWII.
Germany: Near Waarkirchen, we helped cement history by authoring the inscription to the monument for the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, honoring their role in liberating the survivors of the Dachau Death March.
United States: From the “Evening of Aloha” in Los Angeles to posthumous commissioning ceremonies in Hawaiʻi, our presence is felt at every major milestone.
Strength in Unity
We recently gathered with major Nisei-related organizations to forge a new path forward. The consensus was clear: we are stronger when we work together. By supporting one another, we ensure that the values of service and sacrifice remain prominent in the public eye.
“This is just the beginning. Get ready for more!”
The “field” is waiting for you. To make JAVA even more impactful, we need more than just supporters; we need active participants. Whether it is joining our activities or helping lead our next chapter, your involvement is what drives our mission.
Let’s make history together. See you on the field!
In service and with gratitude,
Howard High
President, Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA)
When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, mass hysteria erupted in America against all persons of Japanese ancestry. Nisei (American-born children of Japanese immigrants) were viewed as innately disloyal and were barred from enlisting in the armed forces. The 1,432 Nisei who were already in the U.S. Army in Hawaiʻi were placed in the 100th Infantry Battalion and shipped to Wisconsin for training and subsequently deployed to Italy for combat. Mike Masaoka, Executive Secretary of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), encouraged the Nisei to petition the government to allow them to serve in combat to prove their loyalty.
Masaoka believed a strong performance by the Nisei in combat was the best weapon to defeat racism and prejudice. In response to these petitions and the exemplary training record of the 100th Infantry Battalion, in early 1943 the U.S. Army formed the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, consisting of 4,000 volunteers from Hawaiʻi and the mainland, many from internment camps.