Vol. 7, No. 96, January 7, 2026
In This Issue…
- President’s Message
- Korean War Veterans Association Hawaiʻi continues the tradition
- Elections – Vote now!
- JAVA by-laws revisions and membership input
- 28th Annual Freedom Walk 2026
- Day of Affirmation sneak preview and seeking support
- Upcoming JAVA Events
President’s Message
Dear Members and Friends of JAVA,
As we welcome the dawn of 2026, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the remarkable journey we have shared over the past two years. This month marks the final chapter of the current term for our elected officers and Executive Council. It has been a period defined by tireless dedication, steady leadership, and a spirit of service that reflects the very values JAVA exists to honor.
I want to begin by recognizing the officers and Executive Council members who have given their time, talent, and heart to this organization. Leadership in a volunteer-driven association is rarely visible in the moment. It is found in late-night planning calls, in careful stewardship of resources, in the discipline of follow-through, and in the quiet determination to keep our mission advancing even when life is demanding. To each of you who served in an elected or appointed capacity during this term, thank you. You have strengthened JAVA in ways that will endure.
Because of the hard work of our officers, the guidance of our Executive Council, and the passion of our members, JAVA is stronger than ever. Our membership has grown, participation has increased, and awareness of our mission has expanded far beyond our traditional borders. We are now reaching across the United States and deep into Europe, building relationships and presence in places that remind us that the legacy we protect is not confined by geography. It is a living story of courage, sacrifice, and identity, and it resonates wherever people care about service and freedom.
To celebrate the milestones of this past term, I will soon share a video collage capturing our activities over the last two years. I hope it gives every member a moment of pride, not only in what we have done, but in what we represent. When you see our presence felt in communities across the globe, you will be reminded that our collective effort. Your effort. Is making JAVA visible, credible, and impactful.
The Momentum of Impact
The momentum is real, and it is building. JAVA will always be the guardian of the legacy of the WWII Nisei soldiers and veterans. That responsibility is sacred, and it remains at the center of who we are. At the same time, our mission has evolved in the way it must if we intend to remain relevant and consequential. We are no longer just looking back. We are looking outward.
JAVA exists to serve as a bridge between the extraordinary courage of the WWII Nisei Soldiers and the challenges of the future. By honoring those who serve in uniform today and by reinforcing the values of duty, integrity, courage, and sacrifice, we ensure that the legacy we protect does what it has always done. It teaches. It strengthens. It inspires. It helps society remember what responsible citizenship looks like, and what it costs.
We are on track to realize our strategic vision in the years ahead, but our ultimate metric of success will never be a document or a plan. It will be impact. It will be the partnerships we build, the next generation we engage, the stories we preserve with accuracy and dignity, and the way we show up for our communities with purpose.
Looking Ahead
As we begin 2026, we do so with a solid foundation and a clear path forward. Whether some of our current leaders return for another term or pass the torch to new hands, the truth remains the same. JAVA’s strength is not in any one person. It is in a shared commitment to something bigger than ourselves.
To every member, supporter, volunteer, officer, and Executive Council member. Thank you for your unwavering support during this term. Thank you for believing in our mission, advancing it with your actions, and representing it with honor.
The foundation is solid, the path is clear, and the best is yet to come.
In service and with gratitude,
Howard High
President, Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA)
Korean War Veterans Association Hawai’i Chapter No. 1 Continues the Tradition
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Written by: Ms. Patti Hirahara, contributor
The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA), in partnership with the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF), hosted its annual Veterans Day program on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During WWII in Washington, D.C. This hybrid event, accommodating both in-person attendees and a virtual audience via livestream, served as a poignant tribute designed to honor the service and sacrifice of Japanese American veterans across all conflicts, from World War II to the present day. The location itself is deeply symbolic, a monument that commemorates the patriotism of the over 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry unjustly incarcerated during the war, as well as the more than 33,000 who served in the U.S. military.
On the Mainland, Japanese American veterans of the Korean War are slowly passing away, and their numbers are too small to continue to organize and gather for public functions. This year marked the 75th Anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, but for Japanese Americans who fought during that time, opportunities to be recognized are difficult since these special veterans are in their 90’s and live across the United States.
I went to Honolulu last May and met a small group of gentlemen from the Korean War Veterans Association Hawaiʻi Chapter 1. I was surprised to hear that they had an active group in Hawaii to this day and that they participated in many activities in conjunction with the local Korean Consulate. This was amazing and I wanted to hear more.
According to chapter Treasurer Tommy Tahara, “The National Korean War Veterans Association organization started in New York City in 1985. Through the efforts of Mr. Louis Baldovi, a charter for a Hawaiʻi unit was obtained in August of 1993 and became the 20th chapter in the nation.”
“A rebirth of Hawaiʻi chapter No. 1 took place on January 26, 1996 to reconstruct and open membership to a broader base of Korean War veterans. Twenty-six charter members were present at the first meeting at The Maple Garden Restaurant in Honolulu and Louis Baldovi was elected as the first President in 1996 and served a consecutive year as President in 1997.”
“Since 1996, the Hawaiʻi Chapter No. 1 became the flagship organization to further the national expansion of other chartered KWVA chapters on all the islands in Hawaiʻi. The Big Island Chapter in Hilo, West Hawaiʻi Chapter in Kona, the Maui No Ka ʻOi Chapter (Maui), the Kauaʻi Chapter and Aloha Chapter in Honolulu.”
The KWVA Hawaiʻi Chapter No. 1 has taken a leadership role in all the Korean War veterans events and has been recognized by the Korean community here in Honolulu as the key Korean War Veterans organization here in the state,” Tahara said.
As a war veterans organization, the pronounced objectives are 1) to honor the memory of its fallen heroes and (2) to maintain the camaraderie born on the battlefields and to participate at memorial services on Veterans Day and Memorial Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) and at the state Veterans cemetery at Kāneʻohe.
They participate as well as sponsor ceremonies at Punchbowl for the start of the Korean War on June 25th as well as the Korean War Armistice on July 27th and participate in the POW/MIA ceremony at Punchbowl. The chapter Initiates and participates in the annual Korean War Veterans reunion and provides the leadership role in the Korean revisit program which has enabled hundreds of Hawaiʻi Korean War Veterans to revisit South Korea.
The KWVA Hawaiʻi Chapter No. 1 has also logged in several thousands of hours of volunteer maintenance work at the Korean and Vietnam Memorials at Hawaii’s state capitol.
After my meeting with the KWVA Hawaiʻi Chapter and JAVA member Norio Uyematsu in May, the group invited Norio Uyematsu to join them again from California to attend their 2025 Christmas Luncheon and Installation of Officers on December 13, 2025 at the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra in Honolulu.
This is a very popular event for the chapter with 200 people attending. This year, 18 of its members were in attendance out of 33 and they also had 5 Honorary members. Chapter treasurer Tommy Tahara has chaired the Christmas event for 10 years. Tahara said for the last four years that this will be their last Christmas Party with him turning 95 this year but due to his wonderful coordination in creating such a successful event with the Honolulu Korean Consulate, he may be persuaded to host one more.
KWVA Hawaiʻi Chapter No. 1 President Robert Imose said “We are so fortunate that the Korean Consulate works to take care of us and honor those who fought and served in the Korean War. It is a very important bond that we continue to share.”
This group of Japanese American and fellow Korean War veterans is truly amazing, and their camaraderie shows why they continue to thrive with the youngest being 92 years old and the rest in their mid -90’s. I was happy that I was able to join this event with JAVA member Norio Uyematsu and to attend the commemoration of their 32nd Anniversary.
Elections – Voting open now!
Make Your Voice Heard — Vote in Our General Election!
Our General Election is underway, and we encourage every member to take a few moments to participate. Your vote helps shape the leadership and direction of our organization, and every voice truly matters.
Voting is easy and accessible:
Online voting via Google Forms: January 6–27, 2026
Mail-in voting: January 6–21, 2026
This year, we are fortunate to have two candidates each for the offices of Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, giving members a meaningful choice in our leadership. For more information about our candidates.
Election results will be announced at the General Membership Meeting, and we hope you’ll join us then as well. Thank you for being an engaged and active member—please take a moment to vote and help guide our organization forward.
JAVA Bylaws Revision Announcement
Washington, D.C.
Written by: JAVA EC
The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) is committed to transparency, accountability, and member participation in the governance of our organization. In that spirit, we are writing to inform our General Members and War Veteran Members of proposed revisions to the JAVA Bylaws that will be presented at our upcoming Annual General Membership Meeting (AGMM).
At the AGMM on February 7, the floor will be formally opened for members to ask questions, raise concerns, and respectfully challenge the proposed revised Bylaws prior to any action being taken.
The proposed revisions serve two primary purposes:
- Clarification and modernization of existing bylaws that have been identified as unclear, outdated, or open to multiple interpretations.
- Structural updates, including the addition of Regional Vice Presidents to better represent our geographically diverse membership, along with the establishment of regional budgets to support programming, outreach, and member engagement at the local level.
These changes are intended to strengthen JAVA’s ability to serve its members nationwide while honoring the legacy and voices of our veterans.
We look forward to your input and to a thoughtful, respectful discussion on February 7.
28th Annual Freedom Walk
2026 Day of Affirmation Preview and Seeking Support
Washington, D.C.
Written by: Bob Vokac, JAVA EC
The 80th Anniversary of the Day of Affirmation will be commemorated on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This milestone anniversary offers us a rare and meaningful opportunity to honor history, service, and sacrifice on a truly national stage. At a time when the values of loyalty, citizenship, and constitutional principles continue to be tested, the Day of Affirmation reminds us of the courage it took for Japanese Americans to stand for those ideals even when their own rights were denied.
Our plans for this year’s observance are ambitious and exciting. The event will include a short parade, a public ceremony on the White House Ellipse, bands, military units, distinguished guest speakers, honored VIPs, and a picnic-style luncheon. It promises to be a memorable day of remembrance and celebration.
To bring this vision to life, we need your help. This event will only succeed through the dedication and generosity of volunteers. Whether you can assist with planning, logistics, day-of support, or behind-the-scenes coordination, there is a place for everyone — and no experience is needed. Volunteers will play a vital role in making this historic anniversary possible.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Bob Vokac, at [email protected]. To assist with planning, we kindly ask that interested volunteers reach out no later than February 13, 2026.
In addition, ambitious plans require adequate funding. We are seeking a member willing to take the lead on fundraising, with the goal of securing corporate sponsorships to help offset event costs. The fundraising lead will work closely with President High to develop and carry out a clear, achievable strategy.
If you have questions or would like to discuss how you can help, please contact President High, Bob Vokac, or Antoinette Phelps at [email protected]. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of the Day of Affirmation is not only remembered but powerfully carried forward for future generations.
Upcoming JAVA Events
Saturday, February 7, 2026. Annual General Membership Meeting (AGMM) and annual awards ceremony. Virtual 2PM EST / 11AM PST / 9AM HST. Link TBP.
Saturday, Mar 28, 2026. 28th Annual Freedom Walk. Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II, Washington, D.C.
Sunday, May 24, 2026. 78th Annual Memorial Day Service. Arlington National Cemetery.
Saturday, July 18, 2026. 7th Annual Day of Affirmation. The Ellipse, Washington, D.C.