Campaign News
October 11, 2007
WAR VETERANS CAMPAIGN RECEIVES BOOST FROM 54 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CITIES
Should a group of highly-acclaimed World War II American veterans grace our Nation's envelopes? The answer from the representatives of 54 cities in the Greater Los Angeles area was resoundingly "yes!" this evening.
The Independent Cities Association (ICA), which represents the interests of Southern California cities, voted tonight to support the drive for a Japanese American "Nisei" WWII veterans commemorative postage stamp. City of Monterey Park Councilman Frank Venti spearheaded the effort. Last month, the Postal Service announced that it would review a stamp proposal that honors the Nisei WWII veterans at their next Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee meeting. Supporters of the stamp have gathered over 8000 petition signatures nationwide so far.
The Nisei of WWII, many of whom were born and raised in Southern California, became one of the most decorated group of soldiers in our Nation's history, with 9 Presidential Unit Citations, over 9000 Purple Hearts, and 21 Medals of Honor. They served with greatest distinction despite themselves and their family members being incarcerated in "internment camps" by the U.S. government in an action that was motivated by racial prejudice and war hysteria. Many Nisei said "we fought to prove our loyalty to America." The 100/442nd Regimental Combat Team's rescue of the Lost "Texas" Battalion is legendary, for which the Governor of Texas named the Nisei "Honorary Texans." They aided Holocaust victims from the Nazi concentration camps of Dachau. They also helped end the war in the Pacific quickly saving countless lives as Military Intelligence Service (MIS) linguists against the Japanese.
The ICA is governed by a 20 member Board of Directors elected by the 54 member cities. The cities' combined population is approximately 7 million consisting of arguably one of the most ethnically-diverse regions in the world. Just some of the represented cities include Los Angeles, Monterey Park, Alhambra, Santa Monica, Compton, Gardena, Long Beach, Beverly Hills, Pomona, Fullerton, and Pasadena. Their resolution will be sent to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, which oversees stamp selection for the U.S. Postal Service.
Take Action!
REMEMBER to sign the free, Online Petition to support the campaign.
Important Note: This internet petition is separate from the handwritten petitions, and we encourage you to sign both. The online petition allows you to leave comments. You can check out what other signers have written daily. Many give personal testimony in support of the stamp proposal (click on the "Signers" tab at the top of the petition to see them).
More questions?
Contact the campaign at (714) 534-5139