The coalition that sponsored the Oregon Nisei Veterans WWII Memorial Highway Historical Marker was honored with an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award last month in Mt. Angel by the Oregon Heritage Commission.
The group was recognized for its grassroots collaboration that culminated in the dedication of a 41-mile stretch of Highway 35 from Government Camp to Hood River as the Oregon Nisei Veterans WWII Memorial Highway and a state-sponsored historical marker telling the story of more than 430 Oregon Nisei who served in World War II, even as many of their families were incarcerated under Executive Order 9066. Their project stood out as a model of excellence in coalition building and increasing public awareness of past events.
The Oregon Historical Marker Program, who approved the concept for the historical marker and worked with the group to write and design the signage now present on Highway 35, is housed within the Oregon Travel Information Council.
Eliza Canty-Jones chair of the Oregon Travel Information Council says the agency is an enthusiastic proponent of their award. “During the writing and design of the historical marker, we saw first-hand the group’s dedication and care in bringing little-known history of second-generation Japanese American veterans into the public realm. We appreciate everyone who worked hard to mend past harms and preserve these historical memories for the future.”
The historical marker incorporates local history to tell this story. In WWII, around 33,000 Nisei, second-generation Japanese Americans, served in the U.S. military. An estimated 437 were Oregonians, many from the Hood River Valley. During the time of extreme anti-Japanese attitudes in the United States, Nisei served honorably across military units. Still, anti-Japanese sentiments ran high back at home.
In November 1944, the names of 16 Nisei soldiers were blotted from a local honor roll of 1,600 veterans. That injustice came to light decades later with research done by local author and educator Linda Tamura. Her research in local newspapers uncovered details of racism and discrimination families may have found too difficult to discuss, which spurred this public project.
Eric Ballinger and daughter Mia of Bend who initiated the project say, “Designating the Veterans Highway to the Nisei was an important step in publicly recognizing their sacrifices. The addition of the historical marker allows us to share that history with the public and change the narrative to one of pride, honor, and healing.”
Linda Tamura, a lead organizer, adds, “Our communities came together to honor the valor of our Nisei veterans – who served our country even as they and their families faced wartime discrimination. And now we’re partnering with the American Legion Post 22, who have publicly apologized for past acts and resolved to ‘lead our community to honor and respect all of our Nation’s people, regardless of race or color.’ What a message for our youth – and for our future!”
The Oregon Historical Marker Program is administered by the Oregon Travel Information Council and a committee of dedicated volunteers from across the state. The Travel Information Council is a semi-independent state agency created by the State of Oregon in the 1970s to operate the highway blue logo sign program following the Highway Beautification Act. The agency now also operates the Oregon Historical Marker and Heritage Tree Programs as well as 39 rest areas at 25 locations in Oregon, providing clean, safe, and inviting locations that are open and free to use.
