A memorial dedicated to Japanese American veterans during World War II is being erected in Placer County, part of California’s historic Gold Country.
The Placer County Herald reports the 2,000 pound bronze statue will be called The Lost Battalion and will be placed atop a granite slab in front of the historic County Courthouse. Local sculpture artist France Borka is creating a figure of a Japanese American soldier from the 442nd Regiment (photo courtesy National Japanese American Memorial Foundation) carrying a Texas soldier to safety. Borka has created numerous other statues inspired by the Japanese culture.
Contributions from Placer County and the city of Roseville, along with the Japanese American Citizens League, are making this possible. In addition up to 200 memorial bricks will be engraved to honor members of the Japanese American community who risked their lives for the United States.
A dedication ceremony is scheduled for June. You can read more about what inspired the community to commission this memorial in the Placer County Herald.