Month: May 2009

The office of Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15) has sent a second Congressional letter of support for the stamp. Congressman Honda chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). We urge you to contact your representatives and senators to sign in support (senators can also sign, though the letter will originate in the House of Representatives).

Ask your representative and senators to sign Congressman Mike Honda’s “Dear Colleague” letter in support of the Japanese American (Nisei) World War II Veterans Commemorative Stamp. A follow-up call or fax often helps in this process a day or two later if you have time. The TOLL-FREE Congress phone number can be used at (800) 828-0498. You will be asked what Congress Member you wish to contact. If you don’t know the name of your representative and senators, ask the Congress Switchboard Operator for help at the 800 number above. Your home’s zip code can be used to locate the people who represent you in House and Senate.

The first Congressional letter, which received 40 signers, was sent in January 2008 (see the list attached below). The CAPAC Board unanimously endorsed the first letter. It is hoped that a second letter will receive more than the original 40 signers.

You can also contact Congressman Honda’s DC office with questions, at (202) 225-2631. Thank you.

The following message is a special request by the Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) Foundation. The NVC spearheaded efforts for the recent Washington state resolution supporting the stamp:

The NVC Foundation in Seattle has embarked on a fundraising effort to honor our Japanese American heritage with the new NVC Japanese American Memorial Wall.

This memorial is your opportunity to honor your grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins – both living and deceased – who were interned during World War II as a result of Executive Order 9066 as well Japanese Americans who have fought and died for America in the military.

One section of the memorial dedicated to Japanese Americans who were interned and detained during World War II with each brick having the name of an internee and the camp or camps to which they were forcibly imprisoned by the U.S. Government. The other section honor Japanese Americans who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service during WW II as well as other Japanese American veterans.

Having these names on bricks on this memorial wall will ensure their names will never be forgotten and their legacy will live forever. We must never forget their sacrifices and their bravery.

In order to give everyone the opportunity to participate the minimum donation is $250 per brick to ensure every family will be able to honor all of their loved ones. There is no limit to the number of bricks you can donate and for internees who served in military; you can honor them with a brick in both the internee and military sections.

Please make you tax deductible checks payable to the “NVC Foundation”.

Thank you!