American Legion Hood River Post 22
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
Oregon Nisei Veterans
Portland Japanese American Citizens League
The History Museum of Hood River County
with support from The Bend Heroes Foundation
Help celebrate our Oregon Nisei Veterans as Highway 35, the 41-mile scenic roadway from the Columbia River to Mt. Hood, is dedicated as the Oregon Nisei Veterans World War II Memorial Highway.
Funds for the highway signs and educational material about the historical importance of the Nisei Veterans of World War II must be privately raised.
Additionally, the Oregon Nisei Veterans will be funding the traveling exhibit of the WWII Nisei Soldier that is scheduled to be open to the public at the Oregon Historical Society, November 2027-April 2028.
About the Highway Signs
We’re working with the Oregon Department of Transportation on the locations of the memorial signs. Current recommendations for signage on Highway 35:
- Southbound near the China Gorge Restaurant and at the Parkdale exit.
- Northbound near the exit for Mt. Hood and for Odell.
Sign Unveiling Ceremony
The dedication ceremony took place Saturday, August 13 in Hood River to celebrate the unveiling of the highway signs. If you missed the event, you can view the video below.
Exhibits
The I Am An American, Nisei Soldiers Experience traveling exhibit will be a five year tour of eleven cities, open to the public in Portland at the Oregon Historical Society November 2027- April 2028.
Educational Programs
The Japanese American Museum of Oregon will be leading the development of interactive and engaging age-appropriate curricula against the backdrop of social justice and civil rights issues facing our nation today.
Middle and high school students will learn that the barber’s response to Akiyama’s request for a haircut was, “I ought to slit your throat.” Students will share observations and thoughts: What did I feel when I heard what the barber said? Why do I think the barber reacted as he did? Why did the soldier respond as he did? Would I tell my friends about what I saw? Tell my parents? Take to social media?
What if I were Captain Laurence? Would I have taken a video of the incident? Would I try to stop Akiyama from leaving the shop? What, if anything, would I say to the barber? If I decided to post the video, what would I hope to accomplish?
Photo Credit: Creative Commons: “Mount Hood High Prairie 9778 A” by jim.choate59