Many of the men call Hawaii home.
Nearly 70 years ago they made history.
Members of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service were honored, given the Congressional Gold Medal for their dedicated service during World War II.
It’s the highest honor Congress can give to civilians and the men who had this honor bestowed upon them were thankful of the thanks they have received.
"I want to thank them too cause until now I didn’t feel anything, but now that they recognized us, wow, once in a lifetime huh,” said Jack Nakamura, World War II veteran.
"I was very happy. We finally got recognized and very thankful for the recognition. And it was very impressive,” said Tadashi “Tad” Fujimoto, World War II veteran.
One of the brave men honored was Senator Daniel Inouye, who also earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service to our country.
"But more importantly those resting in cemeteries are pleased with this day, God bless America. God bless you,” said Sen. Inouye.
"Means so much. I really appreciate this and I’m very thankful for the recognition,” said Norman Hashisaka, World War II veteran.
"Oh this is something that in my lifetime is really wonderful, that we would be given this award,” said Takashi “Bolo” Shirakata, World War II veteran.
Many of the Japanese-American men fought not just against the enemy, but against discrimination by their own country.
Many of their families were held in internment camps during the war.
"The U.S. remains forever indebted to the bravery, valor and dedication to country that these men faced, while fighting a true front battle of discrimination at home and abroad,” said Rep. John Boehner.
The honor comes a little more than a month away from the 70th observance of Pearl Harbor.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
