Past Events

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Ceremony At Biffontaine

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October 19, 2013 – Biffontaine, France

Over 300 gathered, including sons and daughters, family and friends of the 442, to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the liberation of the town of Biffontaine. The ceremony took place in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, at the place call Terminal 6, where the battle of the Lost Battalion took place.

Mr. Valentin, Deputy Mayor of Biffontaine, gave the follow speech:

Dear officials,  Ladies and Gentlemen, My dear friends,

Today, the town of BIFFONTAINE, surrounded with the committee of Terminal No. 6,  is honored by your visit and thank you warmly. At the dawn of the 70th anniversary of the liberation, we are here to prove that forgetting does not exist between our two countries.

In this little area in the Vosges, humble as we are in front of that stone monument, we all bow before our heroes’ courage, in respect and silence.

Today we’re thinking of those young people who came from a beautiful faraway country and who gave their youth and life to our country. They sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Remembering that shows to their families and to you all, my friends, that their supreme sacrifice was not vain.

That sacrifice gave France back its place in the world and helped to fight against the murderous madness of Nazism.

In front of that monument, erected on a site where fierce fightings occurred, we must remember that Freedom is never fully achieved. It is still fragile and it is our duty, to all of us, from the youngest to the eldest, to ensure that freedom and peace remain.

Those thousands of dead people, whose memory will remain etched in our hearts, must be recognized as they should be and that memory must hang over our forests.

In order that our descendants can remember, it is up to us to pass on the History and to preach again and again for a lasting peace between all peoples.

A country must remember the past to build the future.

Before we temporarily leave each other, I’d like to pay my last respect to Jean BIANCHETTI who died on August 10th. He was, with George HENRY, the founder of the monument Terminal No. 6. I wish to express here my gratitude to his family.

I wish you all a great day in BIFFONTAINE.

 

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Oahu AJA Veterans Council 8th Annual Joint Memorial Service

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The Oahu AJA Veterans Council 8th Annual Joint Memorial Service was held on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.  Barbara J. Tanabe served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event.  The program included Col. Gene Castagnetti, USMC, Ret. Superintendent, NMCP who gave the “Welcome” and Brigadier General James T. Hirai, U.S. Army, Ret. was the Keynote Speaker.  Veterans from the numerous veterans groups were in attendance.

We would like to thank Chairman Byrnes Yamashita for his superb coordination of this event, it was a great success.  Our mahalo to all who assisted in this service.

Click below to view photos of the event…

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442 Movie Night 2013

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Honolulu- 100th Infantry Battalion Clubhouse. On Saturday, August 31, 2013, the Sons & Daughters of the 442 hosted a dinner and movie night.  Family and friends of the 100th, 442, MIS and 1399 were invited to attend. A documentary of the late Senator Inouye, “Journey to Washington”, was the feature presentation. It was a fun filled evening with lots of food and lots of opportunities to meet new and old acquaintances.

Click below to view photos of the event, compliments of Clyde Sugimoto and Pat Thompson.

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Eric Saul Speaks To The Veterans

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Honolulu – August 4, 2013. Eric Saul, notable WWII military historian and advocate of the Nisei veterans spoke at a luncheon hosted by the MIS veteran’s organization. A crowd of about 80 veterans, family members and friends gathered for this special presentation. Here is a copy of Eric’s speech:

Nisei Soldier’s Legacy 

Speech by Eric Saul

You Japanese Americans had been part of the United States of America since 1885. This year marks the 128year anniversary of Japanese immigration.

            It has now been 72 years since the Japanese language school was founded at the Presidio of San Francisco in November 1941.  It has been 71 years since the 100th Infantry Battalion was created here in Hawai’i.  And it has been 70 years since the 442nd was created on February 1, 1943.

Many of your comrades have left us.  But your legacy of honor, duty and country lives on and will live on forever.  It will live on in the success of Japanese in America, and in the success of your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren…and forever.

Today, there are more than 700,000 Japanese Americans. This number is small and is only about one half of one percent of the U.S. population.

            Because of the size of your community, your story has often been overlooked or sometimes forgotten. Yet, your story is important and, in many ways, unique.

Your parents’ immigration to the United States was the first time in Japanese history that Japanese had ever been allowed to legally leave the country.

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70th Anniversary Banquet

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Honolulu- On Sunday, March 24, 2013, the 442nd’s 70th Anniversary Banquet was held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Over 1,100 veterans, families and friends attended the celebration. From the start, the program revolved around the theme, “The Legacy Lives On”, honoring the veterans and sending a clear message: the story of the 442 will live on through the efforts of the next generation. The program also included a special tribute to the late Senator Daniel Inouye, with the keynote speech delivered by Irene Hirano Inouye.

Here are photos taken of the event, compliments of Clyde Sugimoto, Pat Thompson, Wayne Iha, Lowell Thom, Hal Ing, Terry Takaki, and Stan Oka. Click below to open. Read more »

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442 RCT_ 70th Anniversary Memorial Service and Picnic

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A Memorial Service and Family Picnic was held on March 23, 2013 on the grounds of Fort DeRussey as part of the 70th Anniversary celebration.  the Memorial Service was a beautiful and solemn event recognizing the 21 Medal of Honor recipients, followed by a tour of the Army Museum and Family Picnic with a yummy bento, activities for the kids and lucky number give aways for all.  Please enjoy some of the photos of the events below:

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70th Anniversary Saturday Picnic Photos

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Just Like the Old Days!!!!

Here are photos taken during the Saturday 70th Anniversary Picnic.

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70th Anniversary Remembrance Service

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Fort DeRussy, Honolulu-  Saturday, March 23, 2013.

As part of the 70th Anniversary celebration of the 442nd RCT, veterans, honored guests, family and friends gathered at Fort DeRussy to hold a remembrance service to all those who served.

Click to view KITV news video

 

 

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Special Tour on Monday, March 25th

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70th ANNIVERSARY 442ND RCT CUSTOM CHARTER TOURS

For MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

We are offering two tours.   All are welcome to join one or both tours.

The morning tour will be going to the USS Arizona Memorial.  You will be greeted and have an orientation, including a short documentary film.  A private boat will take you to the USS Arizona Memorial followed by a museum tour with Staff Historian Amanda Carona.  The pick up time will be 6:15am at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (behind Tapa Tower) and about 6:30am at the 100th Infantry Battalion Clubhouse.  This tour is for those who are not planning to go to the State Legislature where the veterans will be honored.  You will be dropped off at the Hilton or the Clubhouse after the tour.

The second tour will be a pick up at the Hilton (behind the Tapa Tower) or the Clubhouse around 10:00am and will take you to the State Legislature where the veterans will be honored.  After the ceremony, you will be picked up and driven through the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, and then taken on a rare and exclusive tour of the “Spirit of Go For Broke” a C-17 airplane at Hickam Air Force Base.  You will also have the privilege to go on a tour of the USS Missouri, at no charge.  Special arrangements have been made for our event participants.  You will  return to the 100th Clubhouse or the Hilton Hawaiian Village by around 6:15pm.

The tour is limited to 53 people.  We encourage you to sign up as soon as possible for this very special (exclusive to our group) tours at an amazing price.  Please call Ann Kabasawa at (808) 781-8540 or e-mail at diverseinnov@gmail.com.

Morning Tour Cost:  $20.00 per person.

Afternoon Tour Cost:  $30.00 per person.

Both Tours Cost:  $48.00 per person.

For those who want lunch there will be an additional cost of $8.00 and it includes bottled water.

Click Here for Application Form

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Congressional Gold Medal at Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

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The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum hosted a previewing of the Congressional Gold Medal exhibit on March 9, 2013 for the Nisei World War II veterans.  The museum is one of only seven museums in the country to host the Congressional Gold Medal exhibit.  For your viewing, photos of the event:

 

 

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Sons & Daughters of the 442RCT Christmas Party

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Our annual Sons & Daughters of the 442 RCT Christmas Party was held on December 16, 2012 at the Treetops Restaurant in Manoa Valley.  Thanks to our hardworking chairperson, Ann Kabasawa, it was filled with delicious food, fun games, fellowship and door prizes!  Attending were 442 Veterans and spouses, Sons & Daughters of the 442RCT and their children and grandchildren. A General Membership Meeting was also held for the election of the 2013 officers.  Our current officers were re-elected for the 2013 term.  Our thank you to Wes Deguchi (President), Al Sadanaga (1st Vice-Presdient), Wade Wasano (2nd Vice-President), Susan Yoshitomi (Secretary), and Shirley Igarashi (Secretary) for voluntering in their respective positions and meeting the challenges of the coming year.  Your time and dedication is appreciated by all. For those who were unable to attend, check out our photos and plan to attend in 1013, the date has been reserved for December 15, 2013 at the Treetops Restaurant in Manoa Valley.

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Help support our 442nd veterans

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Dear Friends of the 442nd RCT,In the past year the veterans of the 442nd RCT, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the MIS received much deserved recognition by being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their bravery and heroism during World War II. They are the highest decorated military unit for its size and length of service in history and their post-war successes in life is also an amazing story.In March 2013, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team will celebrate their 70th Anniversary. We, the Sons and Daughters and friends of the Nisei veterans, are planning a weekend of events to bring them together from across the country and all fighting units to celebrate their friendships, their families, and their achievements during and after the war. In addition, at a Joint Memorial Service they will have the opportunity to solemnly honor their comrades killed in action and remember their veteran brothers of 70 years who have passed away.

Through these events, we also hope to inspire the next generation of young Americans to keep the Nisei soldiers’ legacy alive by gaining a deeper understanding of how the sacrifices, courage, and determination of their fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers and uncles have greatly influenced our nation as well as all of us personally. Therefore, our theme for this 70th year is “The Legacy Lives On” and we are involving the veteran’s descendants and young supporters with major roles throughout the weekend.

This letter is to ask for your support to help defray expenses for this celebration. A major part of our expense will be to honor every veteran and widow of a veteran by covering the cost of their meals at our official functions, including the Anniversary Banquet at the Hilton.

Today, many of the veterans are in their late 80’s and into their 90’s and are still active in the community, interested in the affairs of their country, and involved with friends and family. They continue to be amazing role models living exemplary lives with a sense of humor and grace.

With your support we will be able to give them a most memorable and fitting tribute in celebration of their 70th Anniversary. We hope you will find our purpose to be worthy of your support. Please contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration.

Very Respectfully,

Clayton and Gwen Fujie, Co-Chairs
70th Anniversary of the 442nd RCT
Tel. 691-9693 or 888-9374

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70th Anniversary Activities

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The activities in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, including the 100th Infantry Battalion, the Military Intelligence Service, and the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion, veterans, families and friends, will consist of, and may not be limited, to the following.  Please register early as space is limited

Wednesday, March 20 –

9:00 a.m. Recognition at City Hall sponsored by Council Members Chang and Kobayashi

Friday, March 22–  Official start of Anniversary Celebration

8:00 am – 11:30 am – Optional Tour of Honouliuli Internment Camp

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm – 100th Battalion Veterans Memorial Building (aka 100 Clubhouse or Club 100)

“At Ease” an informal Hawaiian style get-together.  Enter your international pupu from Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Hawaii and the mainland to win a prize!  Aloha shirt, mu’umu’u, shorts, tee-shirt!  Come and talk story with our veteran heroes.  442nd RCT Logo merchandise will be available for sale.

6:00 pm – 9:00 pmMeeting of the various Sons and Daughters organizations and individuals will meet to share their “living legacy” ideas and plans for the future.

Saturday, March 23–  Fort DeRussy Waikiki

9:00 am – 10:00 amRemembrance Service at Fort DeRussy

10:00 am – 11:30 amTour of the U.S. Army Museum at Fort DeRussy

11:30 am – 2:00 pm – “Just-like-the-old-days” 442 Family Picnic with bento, door prizes, games, a shadow box demonstration, shaved ice stand, 100/442 Manga book sales & Chibi logo merchandise

Evening – FREE for chapter get-togethers or relaxing inWaikiki.   (Item Chapter is already planning a party.  Place TBD. 5:00 p.m.)

Sunday, March 24– Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel

9:30 am Hospitality Room for all chapters opened – Coral Ballroom I

10:30 am – Doors open to Coral Ballroom II, III, IV

11:00 am – 2:00 pm70th Anniversary Luncheon and Program  (including exhibits, photo taking, 442nd RCT logo merchandise sales, autograph signing, DVD/book sales)

Monday, March 25 –  Optional activities.

6:30 a.m.-  Special Tour of USS Arizona

11:00 a.m. – State of Hawaii Legislature recognition.  Bring your families to witness the honor

1:00 p.m.- Special Tour to Punchbowl, C-17 “Spirit of Go for Broke” and USS Missouri

6:30 p.m.“Valor With Honor” Documentary screening at The Honolulu Museum of Art’s Doris Duke Theatre.  Meet writer/director, Burt Takeuchi, and stay for Q&A session after the screening.

All official activities will be FREE to Nisei veterans and widows of deceased veterans

For further information: Call Gwen Fujie at 691-9693 or 888-9374 or the 442nd Veterans Club at 949-7997

Print Schedule

Register for these events now

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Donate to 70th Anniversary Celebration

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“They bought an awful hunk of America with their blood. You’re damn right those Nisei  boys have a place in the American heart, now and forever. We cannot allow a single injustice to be done to the Nisei without defeating the purposes for which we fought.”
General Joseph “Vinegar Joe” Stillwell

Please help us honor the 442nd Regimental Combat Team on their 70th Anniversary scheduled for March 22 – 24, 2013. With your donation we will be able to host a weekend for veterans, widows, and their families and friends from across the country. To encourage participation by our Nisei veterans and widows of veterans from all units, we will cover the cost of their event meals, including the premier event – the 70th Anniversary banquet, and we need your help.

The activities planned for all of them, including the 100th Infantry Battalion, the Military
Intelligence Service (MIS), and the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion are:

  • Friday, March 22nd – “At Ease” an informal social gathering at the 100th Infantry Battalion Clubhouse followed by a meeting of the various Sons and Daughters organizations to share their legacy plans for the future
  • Saturday, March 23rd – Joint Memorial Service at Fort DeRussy and a tour of the U.S. Army Museum followed by an old-fashion Family Picnic
  • Sunday, March 24th – 70th Anniversary Banquet at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
  • Optional tours around the island and to various WWII sites are also being offered

Our Levels of Giving are divided into seven groups listing the seven campaigns the Nisei soldiers fought in from the beginning to the end of their European service. We’ve chosen to list them for educational purposes and in memory of those killed in action in those campaigns. (Please visit www.goforbroke.org for more information about the campaigns and the other battlesvaliantly fought by our Nisei soldiers.)

  • Naples – Foggia Campaign (Sept. 1943 – Jan. 1944) $1 – $99
  • Rome-Arno Campaign (Jan. 1944 – Sept. 1944) $100 – $499
  • Southern France Campaign (Aug. 1944 – Sept. 1944) $500 – $999
  • Northern Apennines (Sept. 1944 – April 1945) $1,000 – $2,999
  • Rhineland (Sept. 1944 – March 1945) $3,000 – $4,999
  • Central Europe (March 1945 – May 1945) $5,000 – $6,999
  • Po Valley Campaign (April 1945 – May 1945) $7,000 and up

All donors will be recognized in our official program booklet. “Central Europe” and “Po Valley Campaign” donors will, in addition, receive a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation from the 442nd RCT.

Please fill out the form below or download this donation form and mail.

Checks may be made to the 442nd Veterans Club and sent to 922 Wiliwili Street, Honolulu, HI 96826. Mahalo!

[gravityform id=2 name=Donatefor 442nd Veteran Celebration description=false]

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Honouliuli Tour

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Click here for information about the tour: Honouliuli Tour

Honouliuli Waiver Form

SCHEDULE FOR HONOULIULI TOUR:

8:00 am       Check-in at the 100th Infantry Battalion clubhouse

Show 11-minute video on Honouliuli presented by JCCH.

(Restroom break)

8:30 am       Leave for Honouliuli via Robert’s bus

9:15 am       Arrive at Monsanto

(Restroom break)

9:30 am     Honouliuli Tour via 5 mini-buses (12-13 people in each bus)

Water bottles provided by Monsanto.

10:30 am    Return to the Monsanto building

(Restroom break)

10:45 am    Return to 100th Clubhouse via Robert’s bus

11:30 am    Arrive at 100th Clubhouse.

Please note that this tour is geared for veterans, wives, widows, and caregivers.

Due to limited seating, priority will be given to this group when registering for this event.

 

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