HOOD RIVER — In conjunction with its annual Veterans Day ceremony, American Legion Post 22 will also host a state-sponsored historical marker dedication on Highway 35 afterwards.
The Oregon Nisei Veterans Historical Marker dedication honors the Nisei (second generation Japanese American) contribution to a shared history and officially commemorates Highway 35 as the Oregon Nisei Veterans World War II Memorial Highway. The program also will honor 16 Nisei soldiers whose names were removed in 1944 from the Hood River community military honor roll that was displayed on the outside wall of the former county courthouse.
Event co-organizer, author and historian Linda Tamura, a Sansei (third generation Japanese American), said the stretch of roadway from Hood River to Government Camp was originally dedicated on March 7, 2022, during a ceremony and onsite. But this dedication completes the project.
“The highway commemorates all Oregon Japanese American soldiers who served in World War II even as many of their families were incarcerated in camps on American soil,” she said. “We’re very pleased that the history of Nisei service in World War II will be told by fourth and fifth generation Japanese American descendants, and by US Marine Corps veteran and former Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
“This day and event remain a recognition of all veterans and their honorable service.”
Six descendants of Oregon Nisei soldiers will introduce the six images on the highway marker with their own stories and family connections. Two presenters will include a father and daughter, Eric and Mia Ballinger.
The one-hour ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the River of Life Assembly Church, 979 Tucker Road. It will include the posting of colors, the national anthem, comments from Post 22 members, several guest comments and readings, and the ringing of the peace bell. Refreshments will follow the service.
Due to limited seating, registration is required by emailing Lesley Tamura at lesley.tamura@gmail.com. The onsite public unveiling of the historical marker will follow the service at about 1 p.m. on Highway 35 at the first viewpoint area where the WWII Nisei Veterans Highway sign is located.
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