From left: Col. Mia Walsh, Space Force; Minister and Head of Chancery Masaru Sato, Embassy of Japan; JAVA President Howard High; Taylor Walsh, Mia’s daughter.
Emcee Col. Danielle Ngo, U.S. Army, retired, and JAVA vice president, opens JAVA’s Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 in Washington, D.C. at the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism.
JAVA President Howard High (left) and Korean War veteran Norio Uyematsu.
Photos by Patti Hirahara

WASHINGTON — The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) and the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation honored Japanese American veterans and those lost during World War II in the nation’s capital on Veterans Day (Nov. 11).

With members of the U.S. military and the local Asian American community, the group heard 93-year-old Japanese American Korean War veteran Norio Uyematsu, from Anaheim, as keynote speaker.

JAVA President Howard High said, “We cannot forget the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of our soldiers in this ‘Forgotten War.’ I am very thankful to Norio for his enduring efforts in representing these Japanese American veterans who fought and served in the Korean War.

“Four representatives from the Embassy of Japan, led by Minister and Head of Chancery Masaru Sato, attended our event, demonstrating strong support for our efforts and building on the steadfast friendship and relationship between the U.S. and Japan.” JAVA Vice President Danielle Ngo served as emcee.

Highlights of the event will be shared in JAVA’s upcoming newsletter.