Approximately 200 Chinese American veterans of WWII were honored with a
Congressional Gold Medal for their contributions and service during a ceremony with the Chinese Americans Citizens Alliance, the American Legion (Sacramento Gung Ho Chapter), and ACC Senior Services. The medal, which was presented to the Sacramento Public Library, will be on permanent display in the
Sacramento Room.
"Their faith overcame their fear, their hope overcame their hurt, their determination defeated discrimination. Their patriotism prevailed over prejudice. And that's why all minority veterans deserve that kind of recognition," said Ed Gor, national director of the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project.
The front of the medal, which shows seven uniforms, representing seven Chinese servicemen and servicewomen in different branches of the military — the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Merchant Marine and Army Nurse Corps. The back of the medal depicts symbols that represent Chinese Americans who have served on land, sea and air.
"Uncommon Valor...Unspoken Service," an intimate exhibit recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of Chinese American veterans of WWII will be on display in the
Central Library through March 31, 2023.
Photographs, letters home, militaria, official documents, a mini-documentary telling the story of Chinese American contributions to America's wars, and interviews with four Sacramento veterans from World War II, accent this compelling display which has graciously been facilitated by the
Chinese American Citizens Alliance and the
Sacramento Gung Ho Post of the American Legion.