IRVINE — The Asian American Community Media Project (AAcomp), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the voices of Asian American veterans, proudly announces a momentous milestone.
In February, the Library of Congress accepted 104 of AAcomp’s meticulously conducted interviews for inclusion in the Veterans History Project. To honor this achievement and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, AAcomp, along with the Veterans Memorial Court Alliance (VMCA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to preserve the Japanese American National War Memorial Court in Little Tokyo, jointly hosted a celebratory luncheon and ceremony, “Honoring Courage and Legacy,” at the outdoor theater complex of the renowned Tanaka Farms produce and tourist center in Irvine.
To help make this event possible, the theater complex and all of its facilities were generously donated by Tanaka Farms.
The event, held on March 29, was a heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary courage and legacy of Asian American veterans who served in the Vietnam War and subsequent conflicts. Seventy-five of the honored and inducted veterans attended, making the gathering a powerful display of unity and appreciation.
Highlights of the event included a recorded congratulatory message from Monica Mohinra, director of the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project. Her remarks celebrated the veterans’ induction into the national archive and commended AAcomp for its unwavering commitment to preserving their stories.
Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch hosted by the OCO Club, a 501(c)(3) organization serving Orange County, followed by a special screening of the award-winning documentary “The Volunteer.” Filmmaker David Brodie conducted an engaging discussion and Q&A session, further enriching the experience.
To mark the occasion, each attending veteran received a custom-designed challenge coin and a personalized flash drive containing their complete interview, which was submitted to the Library of Congress. These tokens of recognition symbolized their invaluable contributions to American history and their enduring legacy.
The veterans expressed deep gratitude for the event, calling it an unforgettable experience. AAcomp’s dedication to preserving their stories shines as a beacon of respect and remembrance to all veterans.
For additional information, contact AAcomp through its website at www.aacomp.org and VMCA though its website at www.memorialcourtalliance.org.
AAcomp and VMCA together honor the heroes who have long been overdue for recognition.