Each year, the Foundation hosts a gala in Washington, DC to honor individuals or organizations who have added to the American tapestry of public service, military service, civil rights, or constitutional rights and in so doing have lived the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice by Japanese Americans during the Second World War.  This year, the Foundation gala was held at the Capital Hilton on April 17, 2009.

2009 honorees included:

Special Recognition Legacy Award to three Japanese American Medal of Honor Recipients, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, and George T. Sakato for their distinguished military careers and patriotism.  The recipients are among the most highly-decorated soldiers in American military history.  

Chairman’s Award to CBS News for leadership that has significantly raised the nation’s awareness of the Japanese American community’s contributions to the history and life of the nation

Award for Constitutional Rights to Congressman Xavier Becerra for his contributions to constitutional rights that have materially improved the treatment of, and opportunities made available to, all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or gender.  

Former CNN news anchor and founder of Sachi Koto Communications, Sachi Koto served as the event’s mistress of ceremonies.

Click here to download the program journal.

Descriptions of the Annual Awards

The Chairman's Award

Awarded to an individual whose leadership has significantly raised the nation's awareness of the Japanese American community's contribution to the history and life of the nation, and whose actions have led to the increased recognition of the community's intrinsic and vital role in the nation's continuing legacy and future. 

Award for Preservation of Constitutional Rights

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, religion or gender, and therefore has advanced the complementary principles of diversity and unity upon which our nation is founded. 

Award for Patriotism

Awarded to an individual whose military or other contributions to the nation's peace, security and welfare exemplify the spirit of patriotism in the face of prejudice as embodied by President Harry S. Truman's statement to returning Nisei veterans of WWII: "You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice - and you won."

Previous Recipients 

April 17, 2009

• Chairman's Award to CBS Television Network for "Cold Case" episode "Family 8108"
• Award for Preservation of Constitutional Rights to Congressman Xavier Becerra
• Special Recognition Legacy Award to the living Japanese American Medal of Honor Recipients: Daniel K. Inouye, George T. Sakato, Joe Sakamoto, Barney F. Hajiro and Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura

April 4, 2008

• Chairman's Award to Congressman Barney Frank
• Award for Preservation of Constitutional Rights to Joan Bernstein - Former Chairwoman for the US Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians
• Award for Patriotism to Major General Antonio M. Taguba (US Army Ret.)

April 20, 2007

• Chairman's Award to the late Senator Spark Matsunaga
• Award for the Preservation of Constitutional Rights to Senator Lindsey O. Graham
• Award to Patriotism to Senator Daniel K. Akaka
• Tribute to the Veterans of the Korean War

• Chairman's Award to Senator Alan K. Simpson
• Award for Preservation of Constitutional Rights to Cognressman John Lewis
• Award to Patriotism to the Philippine Scouts
• Tribute to Japanese American Women in World War II

• Chairman's Award to Senator Robert J. Dole
• Award for Preservation of Constitutional Rights to Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta
• Award for Patriotism to General Eric K. Shinseki (US Army-Ret.)

Previous National Japanese American Memorial Foundation Annual Awards Dinner Gala Journals:

 2008 Annual Awards Dinner Gala Journal

 2007 Annual Awards Dinner Gala Journal

 2006 Annual Awards Dinner Gala Journal

 2005 Annual Awards Dinner Gala Journal

 2003 Annual Awards Dinner Gala Journal