80th Annual Community Memorial Day Service for Japanese American Veterans (May 25, 2026)

On Monday, May 25, the 80th Annual Community Memorial Day Service for Japanese American veterans occurred at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver.

This ceremony commemorates Japanese American veterans who made great sacrifices while serving in military units formed during World War II. It is held every year around Memorial Day in May by the Nisei Veterans Heritage Foundation, Simpson United Methodist Church, and the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple, as well as community volunteers.

The memorial service was moderated by Cindy Kondo, a board member of the Nisei Veterans Heritage Foundation, and was attended by several hundred people, including former Japanese American soldiers, their family members, and representatives of Japan-related organizations. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet also attended and delivered remarks.

The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver was also invited, and Deputy Consul-General Takayama and Vice-Consul Zaitsu attended. Prior to the event, they observed a moment of silence at the gravesite of former Colorado Governor Ralph Carr, who worked to protect the rights of Japanese Americans, located within the same cemetery.