Members of our armed services who have served in Japan came together on Friday, February 3 for a celebration of lifelong friendships, shared memories, and the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
In cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, JUMP participated in the U.S. Army Japan Reunion at the Fort Myer Officer’s Club in Arlington, Virginia.
The gathering of about 50 service members was treated to an evening of festivities, including addresses from Col. Masashi Yamamoto, and RADM Yuki Sekiguchi of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), respectively. Participants also were greeted by warm remarks from LTG Francis Weircinski, the former Commander of U.S. Army Japan and U.S. Army Pacific, about the wonderful relationships that he formed during his service in Japan. He recalled developing a great respect for the Japanese people through his cooperative effort with the JGSDF following the massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011.
MG Michael Harrison, the former Commander of U.S. Army Japan, spoke about the lifelong friendships that he and his family formed while in Japan and the important role that those relationships have played in the development of his children. Finally, the evening was capped off with a toast by Col. Craig Agena, U.S. Army (ret.), honoring the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and the bond that the two countries share.
JUMP would like to thank the Japanese Embassy for hosting this event as well as Fort Myer for providing the venue. JUMP continues to look to the future, and we hope to see all of you at the next JUMP event. View the gallery of photos from the event below!
News Release
August 31, 2016
For more information please contact:
Christa Desrets
cdesrets@spfusa.org
(202) 296-6694 x118
Beyond reconciliation: Event to honor Nisei veterans, celebrate U.S.-Japan allianceSEATTLE — More than 70 years ago, at the height of World War II, one regiment of the United States Army fought not only against the Axis powers in central Europe, but also to exonerate themselves from prejudices that led their families to be incarcerated back home. Today, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was composed almost entirely of Japanese Americans, is known as the most decorated unit in American history for its size and length of service—a distinction that will be celebrated in Seattle on Sept. 17 at an event that will honor their sacrifices while also celebrating two nations that have reconciled to become the closest of allies. Members of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces will come together at this Japan-US Military Program (JUMP) event to honor the Nisei Veterans who served in the segregated 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT) and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), during World War II. The event, held by the Nisei Veterans Committee in collaboration with the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington and with support from the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle, will include American and Japanese forces, officials with Joint Base Lewis McChord, and veterans from the area who have served in Japan. The event coincides with the annual U.S.-Japan Rising Thunder training exercises at the Yakima Training Center. Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NVC Memorial Hall in Seattle (map), the event will include a tour of the venue, a luncheon featuring Japanese cuisine, special guests and speakers, taiko drumming, and a special video presentation featuring Nisei Veteran Sam Mitsui. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Please join us as we honor veterans and active duty forces while celebrating the deep friendship between the United States and our allies in Japan.
Click here to RSVP
JUMP is excited to welcome distinguished guests to the program including: • Adm. Dennis C. Blair, USN (ret.), chairman and CEO, Sasakawa USA About JUMP: www.JUMProgram.org About The Japan America Society of the State of Washington: http://jassw.org About the Nisei Veterans Committee: https://www.nvcfoundation.org About Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA: www.SPFUSA.org |
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