“These men fought the battle for freedom and equality, risking the ultimate sacrifice for a better future for me and for future generations,” Sato shared. “This is not just Japanese American history—it is American history.”  

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On Saturday, January 18th 2020, Courage + Valor: Japanese American WWII Veterans—Their Stories and Legacy, featured a film presentation and narration by news reporter and documentary filmmaker David Ono, co-anchor of ABC 7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles. Ono narrated live, sharing stories of the Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion / 442nd Regimental Combat Team who was sent to rescue the Lost Battalion in Europe during WWII, accompanied by stunning aerial shots of the former war terrain in France and Italy as theystand today. 

 

Photographer Shane Sato and oral historian Robert Horsting provided insight into the deeply personal stories of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence veterans ‘behind the lens.’ The afternoon concluded with a special ceremonial book and photo presentation to Colorado’s living veterans and family members of those who have passed, as well as an insightful Q&A with Ono, Sato, and Horsting alongside Colorado Nisei veterans Tootsie Tsutsui, Sam Bungo, and Hason Yanaga, followed by a book signing with an enthusiastic, multi-generational audience.