Wreath Laying Ceremony

Join us in a special wreath laying ceremony to honor the 80th anniversary of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team – one of the most decorated U.S. military regiments, primarily composed of Japanese Americans.

Despite the fact that President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 forced Japanese Americans into internment camps as enemy aliens in 1942, Japanese Americans relentlessly volunteered to serve the US as patriotic Americans in the 442nd. They upheld the US Army’s core values of loyalty, duty, selfless service, and courage even with bigotry, racism, and prejudice against Japanese Americans during WWII.

The 14,000 Japanese American soldiers who served in the 442nd were awarded 18,143 awards, including seven Presidential Unit Citations. Despite their heroism in battle, it took 20 years for the 442nd’s accomplishments to be fully acknowledged and 31 years for Executive Order 9066 to be rescinded.

Logistics: We will meet at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center (1 Memorial Ave., Arlington, Virginia 22211) at 10:30 AM. It is metro-accessible with an on-site parking garage. Please bring a photo ID or passport and allow ample time for security. At 11am, we will walk to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Visitor Center. Afterwards, everyone will walk to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team burial site to learn about the accomplishments and sacrifices that this incredible military unit made.

Attire: “Sunday best” for civilians (a dark suit and tie for men and blouses are recommended for women). First responders should wear their full dress uniforms.