This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Washington • More than 70 years ago, their families were shunned by the U.S. government, their patriotism questioned and many of their relatives imprisoned in internment camps as America entered World War II.
On Wednesday, they were welcomed into the U.S. Capitol with open arms, applause and tributes as congressional leaders honored hundreds of Japanese-American veterans who fought against enemies abroad and prejudice at home.
More than 300 veterans, many sporting caps of the Veterans of Foreign Wars or that of the 442nd Veterans Association, crowded the Capitol Visitors Center's hall to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's top civilian honor.
"They did everything that was ever asked of them and more," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said of the veterans. "What is most remarkable is that they did so despite the fact that our nation at times fell short in its responsibility to them and Americans like them."
Among the recipients were 10 Utahns, many of whom trace roots to Hawaii and who, following the ceremony, quickly gathered under the towering gold-and-black statue of the island chain's first unified leader, King Kamehameha.
"I never thought it would happen," said Ted Shimizu, who served tours in Italy and France during the war and then stayed in the Army for more than three decades.
"The war has been over for 70 years," Shimizu said, racked with the emotion of the event. "So I didn't think there was anything else coming."
Shimizu was part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was honored Wednesday along with the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service, all segregated groups during the war.
Sen. Daniel Inouye — a Hawaii Democrat who was a member of the 442nd and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his selfless service during a firefight in which he lost his right arm — brought his fellow soldiers to a standing ovation when he congratulated them for their courage. "This has been a long journey, but a glorious one," he said.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi noted that the award extends to veterans who couldn't be there.
"We remember those for whom today came too late," Pelosi said, "and we particularly honor those who never came home."
The ceremony was especially poignant for family members on hand to see their fathers receive the awards.
"They've just overcome so many challenges in their lives," said Jeanette Spencer of Salt Lake City whose father, Nelson Akagi, was part of the 442nd. "The country turned its back on them, but they never turned their back."
"It's been a long time in coming," added Vicki Youngblood, whose dad, Noel Okamoto of North Ogden, donned a green Army jacket for the ceremony. "They really deserve it."
Okamoto was overjoyed at the prospect of the award, joking around with his compatriots and thrusting out a Hawaiian "hang loose" hand sign for pictures.
"It's been an exciting day," he said before rushing off to offer more hugs and handshakes.
Steve Fukushima, whose father, Taira Fukushima, a Utah retiree, was awarded the Gold Medal as well as the Bronze Star, said the event should serve as an inspiration for correcting historic mistakes.
"It's an affirmation that wrongs can be righted," Steve Fukushima said. "It restores faith that good can come from bad."
Utahns honored
Ten Utahns were among those honored Wednesday with the Congressional Gold Medal for their service in the military's segregated Japanese-American World War II companies:
Nelson Akagi
Masao Akiyama
Hiroshi Aramaki
Taira Fukushima
Masami Hayashi
Casey Kunimura
Ray Ogura
Noel Okamoto
Ted Shimizu
Roy Tsuya