HONOLULU – The Japanese American Citizens League – Honolulu Chapter
(JACL Honolulu) wholeheartedly condemns the removal of web pages honoring the history and accomplishments of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd
Regimental Combat Team and demands their immediate restoration.

President Ronald Reagan, during the signing of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988,
recalled remarks he had given during a memorial for 442nd member Kazuo
Masuda in 1945, “Blood that has soaked into the sands of a beach is all of one
color. America stands unique in the world: the only country not founded on race
but on a way, an ideal. Not in spite of but because of our polyglot background,
we have had all the strength in the world. That is the American way.”

The history and legacy of the 100th and 442nd is a shining thread in the fabric of
our nation’s tapestry. The sacrifice and service of the 100th and 442nd is
emblematic of the heroism of all of our veterans and service members. It is a
proud history that belongs to all veterans and Americans and should not be
erased.

The JACL Honolulu calls on Defense Secretary Hegseth to order the immediate
return of these invaluable resources to their original state on the Army’s website.
Failing to do so erases the heroic legacy and heritage of Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders in the armed forces and dishonors their distinguished service.

JACL Honolulu also calls upon local and national leaders to hold President
Trump accountable for his executive orders rolling back diversity, equity, and
inclusion initiatives and programs, which are being used to discriminate against
minority communities.

The Japanese American Citizens League, Honolulu Chapter is a part of the
nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization and was
established to challenge racism and bigotry directed against Japanese
Americans. Discrimination and intolerance remain the focus of the JACL today
and extends to the greater Asian American community and others who are victimized by injustice and prejudice.