Welcome to the Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League Website! Our chapter is dedicated to educating the public about the Japanese American experience, monitoring legislation affecting minority human and civil rights, addressing hate crimes and fostering Japanese American culture.
We invite you to browse the information provided here and to please consider becoming a member of our organization to support the rich cultural and historical heritage of Japanese Americans in Sonoma County, California.
February 2026 Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony![]()
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Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony – Honoring Peter Masuoka![]()
By Janet Tajii![]()
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Please join us for the Sonoma County Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony honoring local veterans including Peter Masuoka, brother of Margarette Murakami, who was killed in action as a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II. The Memorial Hall on the grounds of the Enmanji Buddhist Temple was dedicated to Pete, in addition to Leo Kikuchi and Joe Yasuda, all local Japanese Americans killed in action while in the 442nd. ![]()
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📍Location: Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd S, Petaluma ![]()
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, February 7th at 5:00 PM ![]()
🔗RSVP: evite.me/WCQbxdn4gp![]()
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The following veterans will be inducted and recognized for their service:![]()
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Peter Masuoka, World War II![]()
Rose Nowak, Women’s Aux Corps![]()
Richard Penry, Vietnam![]()
Duane Wilson, Vietnam + GWOT![]()
Bob Hockenberger, Cold War![]()
Peter Hughes - GWOT![]()
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Major Andrew LeMarQuand, U.S. Army Retired states, "A special emphasis of this ceremony will be the honoring of Peter Masuoka, a World War II Veteran and member of the renowned 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Plans are underway to develop a unique exhibit honoring local 442nd Veterans and their families, while also spotlighting the important role of the Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)." LeMarQuand is Commander of VFW Post 1929 in Petaluma, Commander of the Sonoma County United Veterans Council comprised of ~25 Sonoma County Congressionally Chartered Veteran Service Organizations, and currently serves on the Sonoma County JACL Board of Directors.
evite.me
And so it starts! Open World delegates present Sebastopol with a sign made by Ukrainian children.