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.
As the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) enters August, we find ourselves reflecting on a truly monumental July. It was a month defined by both historic commemoration and a powerful look toward the future of our organization, anchored by twin milestones on both coasts.
On July 15, we held a significant ceremony in Los Angeles at the Veterans Memorial Court within the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. This event, commemorating the 80th Anniversary of President Harry S. Truman’s 1946 address to the 100th Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, honored the legacy of our veterans with local community partners. It was a powerful reminder of how the story of AJA service resonates in every corner of our nation.
We then continued this spirit of commemoration on July 18 with our Seventh Annual Day of Affirmation at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was made exceptionally memorable by the participation of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army Reserve, and the stirring musical contributions of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Hearing President Truman’s words echoed by his grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, “You fought the enemy abroad and prejudice at home, and you won,” reminded us again of the gravity of the legacy we carry.
The success of these events was the result of months of tireless work by our volunteers in both Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the planning committee and our dedicated volunteers for their extraordinary efforts. From the logistical coordination of military support and the successful livestreaming of the ceremonies to the beautiful cultural performances, these events were masterclasses in collaboration. To every volunteer, from our Core Planning Committee to our youth participants, your hard work ensured that the Nisei Soldiers’ story continues to inspire a new generation.
Just shortly after these commemorations, we transitioned from celebrating the past to investing in the future with our 2026 JAVA Scholarship Program. Recognizing 14 exceptional students who embody the spirit, resilience, and patriotism of our veteran community was a profound honor. Seeing these scholars, the descendants of veterans and children of our members, reminds us why JAVA’s mission is so vital. By supporting their education, we are ensuring that the values of service and leadership are carried forward.
As we look ahead, we are committed to broadening our reach. JAVA is a national organization, and we are actively looking for ways to ensure that our members in California, Hawaiʻi, and across the country feel connected to our mission. We look forward to participating in upcoming events nationwide, including those marking the America 250 commemorations, to ensure the Nisei story is told in every corner of our country.
Thank you for your continued dedication to JAVA. Whether we are honoring our history or supporting our future leaders, we remain united in our commitment to “Go For Broke.”
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.