Japanese American Veterans Association
We are an educational, patriotic, fraternal organization dedicated to maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom. Our members include veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars. Although the majority of our members are Americans of Japanese Ancestry, our members are not exclusively Japanese Americans.
80th Anniversary of the Day of Affirmation
Events will be livestreamed on Facebook Live. On the day of the event, click the flyer or visit JAVA’s Facebook page to watch.
Los Angeles, California – July 15, 2026
Washington, D.C. – July 18, 2026
Dear JAVA Members and Friends,
JAVA is growing, becoming more active, and reaching more people with a mission that matters deeply to our nation. As we work to honor the legacy of WWII Nisei Soldiers and veterans, past and present, educate the public, and strengthen our contributions to American society, we need the wisdom, experience, and energy of our members. Every idea, connection, skill, and hour of service can help move JAVA forward.
Growth also brings real challenges. We must manage limited capacity, improve coordination, secure funding, increase visibility, expand volunteer bandwidth, and make thoughtful decisions about program priorities. Our members are often closest to the opportunities and obstacles before us. We welcome your help in identifying challenges, recommending practical solutions, and turning good ideas into meaningful action.
Ways to get involved:
- Help plan JAVA programs, commemorations, and member activities.
- Support event execution through registration, hospitality, logistics, or follow-up.
- Assist with outreach to veterans, families, students, educators, and community partners.
- Help identify partnerships, sponsors, donors, and fundraising opportunities.
- Contribute to communications, storytelling, newsletters, social media, or member profiles.
- Mentor younger members and help preserve JAVA’s mission for future generations.
Please share your ideas or volunteer by contacting us at [email protected], through our website (http://java-us.org/), or in person at any of our activities.
I look forward to talking with you all to help improve America’s future!
Respectfully,
Howard High
When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, mass hysteria erupted in America against all persons of Japanese ancestry. Nisei (American-born children of Japanese immigrants) were viewed as innately disloyal and were barred from enlisting in the armed forces. The 1,432 Nisei who were already in the U.S. Army in Hawaiʻi were placed in the 100th Infantry Battalion and shipped to Wisconsin for training and subsequently deployed to Italy for combat. Mike Masaoka, Executive Secretary of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), encouraged the Nisei to petition the government to allow them to serve in combat to prove their loyalty.
Masaoka believed a strong performance by the Nisei in combat was the best weapon to defeat racism and prejudice. In response to these petitions and the exemplary training record of the 100th Infantry Battalion, in early 1943 the U.S. Army formed the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, consisting of 4,000 volunteers from Hawaiʻi and the mainland, many from internment camps.