The annual Veterans Day sunset ceremony at the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor will include a ceremony to honor the 70th anniversary of the Nisei Veterans of World War II, reports Honolulu Civil Beat.
The Nisei veterans are second-generation U.S.-born Japanese American soldiers who fought for the United States after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, despite prejudice and U.S. government mistrust of them due to their ancestry. At the time, neither the Navy or Marines would allow them in their ranks. They were only allowed to serve in segregated Army units.
Despite these restrictions, thousands of Japanese Americans served and became the most highly decorated soldiers in U.S. Army history.
“Seventy years ago our Nisei soldiers entered World War II and overcame the dual challenges of prejudice at home and threats to our nation’s freedoms overseas with undaunted service and incredible feats of courage,” said Bob Kihune, retired U.S. Navy vice admiral and now chairman of the board at the USS Missouri Memorial Association.
Twenty-five Nisei veterans will be among the 450 participants expected at the event. Monday’s ceremony will also coincide with the opening of a new Nisei exhibit on board the Battleship Missouri, to honor their legacy.
For more information about the event, read the article from the Honolulu Civil Beat.
