FORT POLK, La — When I was a Soldier stationed on Okinawa, one of my good friends was Sgt. Roger Gilson. Gilson was of Japanese descent and proud of his heritage.
On Dec. 7, 1980 our platoon sergeant sent around his weekly update and began it with, “Today is slap a Jap day.”
Needless to say, Gilson was not happy and broached the subject with our platoon sergeant who admitted his insensitivity and apologized both to Gilson and the rest of our platoon.
Ten years later, in 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450 designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
Today, the Army annually celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with ceremonies on installations both in the United States and overseas, recognizing the contribution of Asian Pacific American Soldiers. From the Civil War through operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Asian-Pacific Island Americans have contributed to the Army.
• Civil War: In the first half of the 19th century, many people from Asia, particularly Chinese, immigrated to the United States. Many served with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Civil War.
• World War I: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many people from East Asia chose to immigrate to the United States, where opportunities for work and a better life beckoned. Despite numerous instances of discrimination, many Asian-Americans joined the U.S. Army and served with distinction during World War I on the battlefields of France. Pvt. Jose B. Nisperos, a Filipino, earned the Medal of Honor for heroism in the Phillipines.
• World War II: At the start of World War II in 1941, more than a quarter-million Asian-Americans were living in the United States. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Japanese-Americans were perceived as a threat to national security based solely on their ethnic ancestry. Consequently, on March 18, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the War Relocation Authority.
Thousands of Japanese-Americans were moved involuntarily to internment camps created throughout the United States. Despite being subjected to prejudice and discrimination, a large number of Nisei (first generation Japanese-Americans born in the United States) volunteered for service in the Army.
These Soldiers served with great honor in the European and North African campaigns. Their feats of courage, particularly in the Italian campaign, are legendary. Other Asian-American groups also answered the call to duty and served with great distinction in the European and Pacific theaters — many taking part in the liberation of their ancestral homelands.
Through Vietnam, the Gulf War and operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have continued to serve with distinction. Take the time this month to let these brave Soldiers know their efforts are appreciated.
| Date Taken: | 05.25.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2018 09:28 |
| Story ID: | 278445 |
| Location: | FORT POLK, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, May celebrates efforts of AAPI service members, by Chuck Cannon, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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