JAVA President Gerald Yamada, 2023 Day of Affirmation, National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC. Photo: Nicole Yamada.
It was a weekend of commemoration and celebration for the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) as they held the fourth annual Day of Affirmation Wreath Ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Saturday, July 15th, and a luncheon the next day at The Army and Navy Club in Washington, DC.
With overcast skies offering some relief from the noonday sun, JAVA members and friends along with curious tourists listened to President Gerald Yamada’s remarks which paid tribute to the returning Nisei World War II soldiers whom President Harry S. Truman reviewed on the White House Ellipse on July 15,1946 President Truman’s salute on that historic afternoon to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team: “You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice – and you have won…,” affirms that all the Japanese American soldiers, men, and women, who served during World War II are America’s heroes and removes any doubt that they are loyal citizens of the United States of America and was the source of JAVA’s now annual traditio
As onlookers paused to consider Yamada’s words which called to mind the legacy created by the thirty-three thousand Japanese American men and women who served in World War II, the military escort and wreath bearers who represented three generations of the family of local centenarian, former JAVA Executive Director and RCT 442nd veteran Terry Shima, processed with the wreath to the Price of Freedom Wall. After a moment of silence in front of the Wall, the sound of Taps brought a somber close to the ceremony.
