The Nisei Veterans Legacy Center has hosted an annual event honoring fallen WWII Japanese-American soldiers and their families since 2006. This year’s ceremony was held on the morning of September 28th, 2014 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, otherwise know as Punchbowl Cemetery. Those recognized included troops who died in the line of duty while serving in four segregated units including: the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 1399 Engineer Construction Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbour, there were over 20,000 Americans of Japanese Ancestry who served in these units, the Eye Witness News reports.
Following the memorial service, a ceremony honoring the mothers and families of these soldiers was held, and included placing the boots of their lost loved ones as well as wreaths of honor beside the statue of Lady Columbia. Anyone who lost loved ones during the war was welcomed to take part in the ceremonies.