Photos courtesy ROBERT HORSTING
Yosh Nakamura, veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, lays a flower at the wall of names May 25, during Memorial Day observances at the Japanese American Memorial Court in Little Tokyo.

As the bugler played “Assembly,” over 200 people gathered May 25 at the Japanese American Memorial Court in Little Tokyo, to remember and honor our fallen heroes who gave their lives in America’s wars.

Mistress of ceremonies Kelly Sera asked the Redondo Union High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC to present the colors.

After the invocation by Pastor Nick Tawa of Palos Verdes Baptist Church, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Patrol Leader John Asai of Koyasan Boy Scout Troop 379.

Asian Persuasion lead singer Marlene Mitsuko Yamane sang the national anthem.
Kevin Onishi, COO of Keiro, greeted the audience, followed by the presentation of the wreath by representatives of the sponsoring organizations: Takao Suzuki (Little Tokyo Service Center), Patricia Wyatt (Japanese Amercan Cultural & Community Center), Kevin Onishi (Keiro), Richard Watanabe (Japanese American National Museum), Mitch Maki (Go For Broke National Education Center) and Linda Machida-Grundy (Veterans Memorial Court Alliance).

Taking part in the wreath ceremony are, from left: Mitch Maki, Takao Suzuki, Linda Machida Grundy, Patricia Wyatt, Richard Watanabe and Kevin Onishi.

Actress and community advocate Tamlyn Tomita was introduced as the keynote speaker. Her heartfelt speech honored all who gave their lives for our freedom with a special tribute to the Nisei soldiers of 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service in World War II. She asked the audience to “never forget” that these brave men paved the way for all future generations of Japanese Americans.

With the audience already in tears, multi-platinum entertainer Harold Payne then sang his original composition “Quiet Heroes.” Several Nisei men befriended him as a youth growing up in Gardena. Already holding these men in high regard, his respect for them grew when he discovered what they had done in WWII, which inspired him to write “Quiet Heroes.” It was certainly a memorable performance.

The focal point of the service is always the Honor Roll floral presentations.

Representing Gold Star and Medal of Honor families was Sally Hamamoto, sister of MOH Kiyoshi Muranaga. She was escorted by 1st Sgt. Steve Mick, USMC.

Representing all Gold Star mothers and fathers were Yoko and Paul Nakamura, parents of Paul T. Nakamura, KIA in Iraq. Mrs. Nakamura was escorted by Capt. Nguyen, USMC, and Mr. Nakamura was escorted by Nisei Week First Princess Sara Kubo.

Over 60 others made floral presentations to honor the sacrifice of family members and friends.

Among those offering prayers at the wall of names was Gold Star mother Yoko Nakamura (second from right), mother of Sgt. Paul T. Nakamura, who was killed in action in Baghdad in 2003.

Many representatives of veterans and community organizations also participated in placing flowers, including Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles Kenko Sone, accompanied by his wife, Mami.

Yamane encouraged the audience to join her in singing “God Bless America.” The 21-gun salute and the bugle sounding “Taps” by the ROTC members preceded the benediction by Rimban William Briones of Nishi Hongwanji. Patricia Wyatt, CEO of the JACCC, provided the closing message.

Sera closed the program and encouraged the audience to make their individual, personal floral presentations.

As a gift of appreciation, attendees were provided a bento lunch.