FFNV MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Friends and Family of Nisei Veterans (FFNV) met at Morgan Hill Buddhist Community Center on February 10, 2018. As always, faithful members from northern California, Central Valley, and the Monterey Peninsula gathered in the spirit of fun camaraderie.
Consul General Jun Yamada expressed his deep gratitude to early Japanese American generations for making significant contributions to America despite difficult periods during WW II and post-war resettlement. Audience appreciated his presence despite his imminent departure from San Francisco.
The featured speaker was James Taylor, a Medal of Honor recipient, who served in Vietnam. The video highlighted his heroism in battle and his speech captivated the audience with the theme of teamwork that was necessary to achieve victories in Vietnam.
Alexander Irwin, a filmmaker at San Francisco State, screened his documentary on Lawson Sakai, a veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Celeste Brasuell talked about the Veterans’ History Project at the Library of Congress.
Carl Williams explained his role in fundraising to restore the monument in Bruyeres, France, erected on nearby Hill 555 in 1947 to commemorate the liberation of the town by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in November 1944 and to honor Nisei veterans.
The meeting concluded by showing of the inspiring video of the Nisei Veterans’ Exhibit aboard the retired USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier in Alameda.
FFNV’s next gathering will be the memorial service at noon on May 19, 2018 in Oakland Hills. Questions? Contact Brian Shiroyama at [email protected] or (408) 896-1021.