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Washington, DC – On Saturday, November 2, 2013, the National Japanese Memorial Foundation hosted its annual Gala at the Marriott Wardman Hotel. The gala opened with a stunning taiko drum display by Nen Daiko.
Four awards were given at this year’s gala dinner: the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Award for Constitutional Rights, the Special Recognition Legacy Award, and the Chairmen’s Award.
The Lifetime Achievement award was given to former Secretary Norman Mineta, who invited his granddaughter and grandson on stage with him. In his acceptance speech, Mineta recalled his father and the sacrifices that his parents and grandparents made to enable him to do what he has done as Secretary of Transportation under the Clinton and Bush administration. “I stand on the shoulders of giants,” Mineta said and recognized several of his former colleagues in the department.
The Award for Constitutional Rights was given to Admiral Mike Mullen (USN, Ret), who was instrumental in repealing “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. The Award for Constitutional Rights is awarded to an individual whose contributions to constitutional rights have materially improved the treatment of, and opportunities made available to all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.
The Chairmen’s award was given to Craig Uchida, whose efforts have significantly raised the nation’s awareness of the Japanese American community’s contributions to the history and life of the nation.
The Special Recognition Award was given to Terry Shima. Shima served in the Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated unit comprised of Japanese Americans during World War II which became one of the most decorated units of its size in American history. After the war, Shima committed himself to preserving the stories of service members who fought and bled overseas, even while many of their families were relocated to internment camps at home through the Japanese American Veterans Association. The 90-year old, who was recently awarded the Presidential Citizen’s Medal, received a standing ovation at the NJAMF dinner.
The gala was emceed by Sachi Koto.
Photo Credit: Joe Shymanski
Photos provided courtesy of NJAMF throough Joe Shymanksi Asian Fortune is an English language newspaper for Asian American professionals in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Visit fb.com/asianfortune to stay up to date with our news and what’s going on in the Asian American community.
