Wash. House passes Joint Memorial calling for Nisei Vets commemorative stamp

Santos calls stamp ‘a fitting tribute to their years of service under the worst of circumstances’

February 20, 2009

OLYMPIA – Since her arrival to the Legislature a decade ago, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D – Seattle) has hosted an annual “Day of Remembrance” in the Washington State House of Representatives to honor the Japanese-American internees and World War II veterans.

This year, Santos sponsored House Joint Memorial 4005, which calls on President Obama and Congress to urge the U.S. Postal Service to issue a stamp commemorating the Nisei veterans. The measure passed the state House unanimously on February 18.

Some 4500 American-born Japanese served in the U.S. military during World War II while many of their family members were detained behind barbed wire in internment camps within the United States. These Nisei (second generation) served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Battalion, and in Military Intelligence Service.

The service of these veterans is legendary. The 442nd RCT/100th Battalion is the most decorated unit of its size in military history. Nisei were involved in the liberating prisoners at Dachau, and in saving of the famous “lost battalion” from Texas. In that effort, 800 Nisei lost their lives in order to save 211 lives.

Speaking from the House floor, Santos told members of the House that the remaining Nisei veterans are now in their 80’s and 90’s – their twilight years.

“Washington needs to be on record because prior to the war, we were second – after California – in the population of Japanese-Americans on the mainland,” Santos said.
“A commemorative stamp would be a fitting tribute to the Nisei vets’ years of service under the worst of conditions.”

HJM 4005 now goes to the state Senate for consideration.