We seek a U.S. commemorative postage stamp that would tell the inspiring story of these American World War II soldiers. Read about their story below.
For ways to help, click here. Thank you!
Why these American soldiers?
This inspiring American story begins in 1941. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan that year, many people doubted the Nisei’s loyalty just because their parents were from Japan. “Nisei” [pronounced KNEE-say] means Americans born to parents who are from Japan.
The Nisei felt compelled to help our nation win the war and show their American loyalty in the face of the war hysteria and prejudice against them.
They were among the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were forced into “internment camps” when the government feared them just because they looked like the enemy. The suspicion was based on fear, not fact.
They mainly served in segregated units, and their heroics and valor are now legendary. The 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team would become the most decorated unit of the war for its size and length of service. They earned over 18,000 medals, 9,000 Purple Hearts, and 21 Medals of Honor, in just two years of service. In the war with Japan, they are credited with shortening the war by two years, and founding the US Armed Forces Defense Language Institute (originally called the Military Intelligence Service, or MIS). Nisei women entered the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and Army Nurse Corps.
This American story is one of the shining examples of patriotism in our nation’s history. Please help honor them today. Click here to learn how you can help. Thank you!
Why a stamp?
It is just a tiny rectangular piece of paper. People buy stamps less and less each year with the increased use of electronic communication. So what’s the big deal?
A commemorative stamp, while small in its dimensions, is huge in its impact. It will be preserved and remembered as an iconic image which will last through the ages.
Stamps are still enjoyed and used widely. Most nations, including the US, issue stamps as a symbolic way to remember people, places, events, and other things that are important to the shared history and culture of its people. On a functional level, most people must buy at least some stamps for use on bills, etc. Many people enjoy selecting special stamps to use for important letters, cards, invitations, and packages. Some stamps become personal keepsakes, too. Stamp collecting is still one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Stamps can even be beautiful, miniature works of art.
The US Postal Service accepts stamp subject ideas but not any designs or images. Our stamp subject proposals have been looked at before. Though our proposals meet or exceed all posted guidelines, the subject continues to be overlooked. We believe that if the Postal Service can churn out multiple stamps for fictional cartoon and movie characters, it can issue at least ONE stamp for these real American heroes.
One of our proposals which is now under consideration honors the soldiers through the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II. This memorial, shown in the photo to the right, tells the story of the Nisei soldiers. Coincidentally, the memorial is located across the street from the US Postal Museum in Washington, DC. While our campaign founders prefer a direct honor to the soldiers on a stamp, they are open to this memorial if a soldiers stamp continues to be blocked.
Let’s remember the American Nisei soldiers on a stamp for what they did in service to our nation with utmost valor, in the face of so much adversity abroad and at home.
Theirs is a truly inspiring story for America, and the world, that we think people will want to remember a hundred years from now!
Click here to learn how you can help. Thank you!
Stamp Our Story is the 2016 relaunch of The Nisei World War II Stamp Campaign. This is also called the “founders’ campaign” because it is the original one begun by the three Nisei ladies in 2005. To read about their story, go to About Us.
They Deserve A Stamp is part of The Nisei World War II Stamp Campaign and functions as a sister campaign working in close collaboration toward the shared goal of the stamp. To view their website, go to TheyDeserveAStamp.org.