Dear JAVA Members and Friends,The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) is again providing this opportunity to its Members and Friends to make an annual donation to support our programs. JAVA still assesses no membership dues. JAVA funds its programs and operations from investment revenue and donations — 100% of all donations will be used to support JAVA programs
In 2023, our programs continued to recognize the contributions made by all who have or are serving in the US armed forces; to honor the legacy forged by the valor and patriotism of Japanese American men and women who served in the United States military during World War II; to advocate in support of all American veterans; and to improve our operations. Here is a brief summary of our 2023 accomplishments:
Saluting All Who Have Served or Are Serving.
Veterans Day Program.JAVA sponsors its annual Veterans Day Program at the National Japanese American Memorial to honor those who have served or are serving. JAVA’s November 11th program has been selected as one of the “Veterans Day observances throughout the country that represents a fitting tribute to America’s heroes.”
Memorial Day Program.JAVA co-sponsors the annual Memorial Day Service at Arlington National Cemetery and shares in the costs of the
flowers that were laid at over 200 grave sites of veterans who the sponsoring organizations honor every year. This year the number ofgravesites were also most doubled as a result of reviewing the names of those buried at ANC and identifying Japanese American names.
Hawaii Memorial Day Service.JAVA participated in the wreath-laying ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to honor all fallen soldiers and the Nisei veterans of WWII.
AAPI Salute to Service.Together with other Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations, JAVA participated in a ceremony at
Arlington National Cemetery to recognize AAPI service members and remember their service.
JAVA Donation to the Victims of the Lahaina Wildfires.JAVA made a substantial donation to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Project to aid the victims of the Lahaina wildfires, including veterans.
Honoring the Legacy of the Nisei World War II Soldiers.
Photo Exhibit and Reception. JAVA co-sponsored a powerful photo exhibit of photographs of Nisei World War II soldiers collected by Eric
Saul. The exhibit is a part of Mr. Saul’s collection of over 200 photographs and will be shown in Washington, DC for almost 3 months at the Japan Information and Culture Center, which is a part of the Embassy of Japan. The opening program for the exhibit included a sushi reception for JAVA supporters and donors.
