Continuing to Strive for Liberty and Justice for All

The Nisei Veterans Legacy is honoring all Nisei Soldiers in the 16th Annual Nisei Soldiers Memorial Service with a video tribute since the ongoing pandemic prohibited in-person gatherings at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

The theme of 2021’s memorial service is “Continuing to Strive for Liberty and Justice for All,” which reflects the ongoing reminder to advocate for equity for all who call America home. The WWII Nisei Soldiers, who bravely and heroically fought abroad for liberty and continued the quest when they returned home to Hawai‘i, serve as inspiring examples for us to emulate.

The video includes messages from Lynn Heirakuji, President of the Nisei Veterans Legacy; retired Army General David Bramlett; retired Pastor Calvin Takara of Kaimuki Christian Church; and Bishop Eric Matsumoto of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.

These messages are mixed with a ukulele performance by local entertainer Jake Shimabukuro, the Presentation, Posting and Retiring of the Colors by the Roosevelt High School JROTC; and a personal message from Caitlin Shishido, granddaughter of a Nisei Soldier.