The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) paid tribute to the Japanese American veterans who served in the armed forces during World War II and the Korean War. In the organization’s 3rd Annual Gala Awards Dinner held last Tuesday in Washington D.C., the JACL bestowed their appreciation to veterans of all conflicts and persons who are currently serving in the military, and particularly veterans of the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), and others who served in regular units during World War II, and veterans of the Korean War.
The honorees include Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii, a World War II veteran and Chairman of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and several distinguished organizations, including: The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) which was started by World War II veterans, The Japanese American Korean War Veterans (JAKWR) which honors veterans of the Korean War, The Go for Broke National Education Center which keeps alive the history of the Japanese Americans, and The National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS) which is heavily involved with honoring the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) with a proposed center at the Presidio in San Francisco.Among Asian American leaders who participated in the affair were Congressman Mike Honda, Senator Daniel Inouye, and Vice Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., among other dignitaries.
Founded in 1929, the JACL commemorates its 80th anniversary this year. The JACL continues its work today as the oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization in the nation. Its leaders include National JACL Executive Director, Floyd Mori, National President Larry Oda and Vice President Sheldon Arakaki.
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