May 7th marks the date in 1843 that the first Japanese immigrants arrived in America.
“The Army commemorates and celebrates the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders to the nation and the Army.” (found on www.fortcampbellcourier.com)
The website goes on to say that the 2018 theme for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is “Unite Our Vision by Working Together.”
From my research of the warriors of the 100th/442nd, I feel that this was their theme. They believed in the idea that is “Americanism”: the value of individual contributions is realized in protecting the freedom of many.
The 100th/442nd was the most decorated unit in history, earning 9,485 Purple Hearts, 8 Presidential Unit Citations, and 21 of its members were awarded Medals of Honor.
Still today, many living members are being awarded the Legion of Honor medal from the country of France, for their service in liberating the French people.
So long ago, yet so close to our hearts.
We commemorate lest we forget.
(World War II memorial, Washington, D.C.)