Evergreen to Host Memorial Day Service

Sadao Munemori Post #321 the American Legion and Evergreen Memorial Care Inc. will hold their annual Memorial Day service, honoring all Japanese Americans who gave their lives for our country.

The service is to be held on Monday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park, 204 N. Evergreen Ave., Los Angeles.

Vincent Okamoto

Featured in the service will be keynote speaker Judge Vincent Okamoto, a Vietnam veteran and a member of the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame. He served in the Republic of South Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader, company commander and intelligence officer with the 25th Infantry Division’s Second of the Twenty Seventh Wolfhounds Regiment.

Okamoto, who was wounded in action three times, has been recommended twice for the Medal of Honor. He has 14 combat decorations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Representatives from local veterans’ organizations, the Consulate General of Japan and Nikkei community groups will make floral presentations at the memorial in honor of Los Angeles County and Orange County Japanese American soldiers killed in action from World War II to the Iraq War.

For more information, contact Cathy Tanaka at (213) 626-0441, ext. 21.