Hawaii Nikkei Legacy Exhibit

The War in Europe Ends

The final military campaigns in Europe ended in spring 1945. The Germans surrendered in May 1945.

In July 1946, U.S. President Harry Truman addressed the 442nd Regimental Combat Team on the White House lawn saying, “You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice, and you have won. Keep up that fight, and we will continue to win…”

Two years later, President Truman ordered an end to racial segregation in the U.S. military.

Nisei soldiers paying their respects to a fallen comrade, Epinal, France (1945).

A tearful reunion of father and son (1946).

War in Europe ends (May 1945).

A triumphant return to Honolulu (August 1946).