JAVA

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.

President's Message

Howard S. High

I am excited to share our ongoing efforts to elevate JAVA’s visibility and influence within the United States and overseas. JAVA is actively working to move from the margins to the forefront, becoming widely recognized as a national—and even international—organization committed to honoring WW2 Nisei Soldiers and preserving their legacy.

Historically, much of JAVA’s activity has taken place in the Washington, DC, area, which has sometimes led to a perception that we are primarily a DC-based organization. JAVA’s reach is national, with members across the country. We intend to be more than just present; we aim to engage in meaningful events and initiatives throughout the USA and internationally, making JAVA’s contributions known far and wide.

This fall, we took significant steps in this direction. In September, JAVA members attended the Go For Broke National Education Center’s fundraising event, “Evening of Aloha,” in Los Angeles. In October, we participated in the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Bruyères and Biffontaine, France. These events underscored the importance of our mission, yet they also revealed that many people were still unaware of who we are and our impactful work.

Let’s continue our dedication to expanding JAVA’s reach. By building connections and fostering awareness, we can ensure JAVA is recognized as a national and international pillar of support for veterans and their families. Together, we will work to make JAVA a well-known and respected organization across the USA and beyond.

Dear Members and Friends,

As we approach the end of 2024, I would like to thank you on behalf of the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) for your unwavering support. Your past donations have significantly impacted our programs, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity. Through the support of members and friends like you, we have continued to thrive without the need for membership dues, and 100% of your contributions go directly toward our programs.

In 2024, JAVA remained dedicated to recognizing the contributions of all U.S. service members and, in particular, preserving the legacy of Japanese American veterans. Your support has made a significant difference, and we are proud to share the following achievements with you:

Honoring Veterans and Celebrating Their Legacy:

Veterans Day Program: JAVA’s annual event at the National Japanese American Memorial was once again recognized as one of the nation’s most significant tributes to America’s heroes.
Memorial Day Program: We co-sponsored the Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery and honored over 200 veterans with floral tributes.
Hawaii Memorial Day Service: JAVA joined in the wreath-laying ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, paying tribute to the Nisei veterans of WWII and all fallen soldiers.

Advocating for Veterans:

Day of Affirmation Celebration: This year marked the 78th anniversary of President Truman’s tribute to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. JAVA honored this occasion by laying a wreath at the National WWII Memorial, a solemn and significant event that pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Support for “But, Where Are You REALLY From?”: JAVA supported and celebrated the publication of this powerful book, which chronicles the patriotism of Japanese Americans who served in WWII.
Scholarship Program: JAVA awarded 15 scholarships totaling $26,000 to deserving students, furthering our commitment to education and legacy-building.

Expanding JAVA’s Reach:

This year, JAVA also made great strides in enhancing our national presence. Our participation in the Evening of Aloha event, hosted by the Go For Broke National Education Center in Los Angeles, was a notable highlight. This prestigious event allowed us to demonstrate JAVA’s commitment beyond the Washington, DC, area, helping to break the perception that JAVA is regionally limited. The event solidified our partnerships with key organizations and showcased JAVA’s national impact, which is crucial as we grow and engage more members nationwide.

With our Strategic Plan in full swing, JAVA is focused on three core goals: increasing membership, encouraging active participation, and expanding our presence nationwide. We have launched a fully redesigned website and reformatted our e-Advocate newsletter to improve communication and update you on our progress.

How You Can Help:

As we head into 2025, your support is more crucial than ever. Our programs continue to grow, and so do the costs. Your ongoing donation will directly help JAVA maintain and expand these critical initiatives. Whether supporting scholarships, honoring veterans, or participating in national events like the Evening of Aloha, your contribution is integral to our mission and makes all the difference.

Please consider donating today by clicking on the “Donate to JAVA” page or by sending a check payable to “JAVA” to P.O. Box 341198, Bethesda, MD 20827. You can also designate your donation to a specific program.

As a 100% volunteer-led organization, every dollar you give directly supports JAVA’s programs. Your donation is tax-deductible, and you will receive a formal acknowledgment for your records.

If you have any questions, please contact our Executive Director, Antoinette Phelps, at javapotomac@gmail.com.

Thank you for standing with us and honoring the valor and sacrifice of our veterans. Together, we are preserving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

With sincere gratitude,

Howard High

President, Japanese American Veterans Association

Nisei Legacy

The Japanese American Experience in WWII and Its Legacy

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.