Dear Friends,

On Nov. 2, 2011, the United States Congress presented the Congressional Gold Medal to the Nikkei veterans of the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service of World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) is the highest civilian award presented by Congress. Some 35 veterans from Northern California were able to attend the ceremony and gala in Washington, D.C.

An official Congressional Gold Medal – Northern California Regional Tribute will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. This regional tribute is planned for the convenience of the veterans, widows, and their families who were not able to attend the ceremony in Washington, D.C. The event will be held at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St. in San Francisco’s Japantown.

This long overdue tribute will honor the service and sacrifice of these Nikkei veterans. Their military exploits in the European and Pacific Theaters were not only renowned, but were truly transformational. Their heroism, both on and off the battlefield, helped to shape a better life for the Japanese American community, for our nation, and the world.

The organizations hosting the tribute are: VFW Post 9879-Golden Gate Nisei Memorial Post, the San Francisco Nikkei Lions Club and the National Japanese American Historical Society.

Registration is open to CGM veterans and their families, and World War II veteran portraits are being solicited. Sponsorships from individuals and organizations are welcome. Attachments are downloadable from www.njahs.org. The deadline to register for this event is April 2, 2012.
For more information call (415) 921-5007.

Sincerely yours,

Hon. Bryan M. Yagi (ret) and Y. Steve Hirabayashi
Co-chairs