Military Appreciation Event for former Military Personnel of USFJ (U.S. Forces in Japan)
2023/6/29
Banner on the Entrance of the Venue
Welcome Remarks by Consul General Murabayashi
CG Murabayashi, Color Guard and Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai
Mayor Nirenberg’s speech
Japanese Self-Defence Force Officials in San Antonio
On May 20, the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston and the Japan-America Society of San Antonio（JASSA）co-hosted a reception titled "Military Appreciation Event" for former military personnel of USFJ (U.S. Forces in Japan) and their families at Eisenhower Park, in the suburbs of San Antonio.
The reception was held in hopes that former USFJ military personnel and their families, who gained familiarity of Japan through their time abroad, will continue to embrace Japan after their return to the U.S. and build a lasting network that uses their positive experience to further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations. This was the second time this event was held.
In his welcoming remarks, Consul General Murabayashi emphasized the importance of the U.S. - Japan alliance and noted that the basis of a strong alliance is the people to people exchanges and mutual understanding. He also encouraged the continuation of relationships that former USFJ personnel and their family members share with Japan after their homecoming. He further expressed his wish that they continue to be good friends of Japan and create bridges between the two countries.
Mr. Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, and Mr. Peter Sakai, Bexar County Judge, addressed the audience as guests of honor. Mayor Nirenberg showed his respect for the contributions of the U.S. military in the promotion of world peace and security, and stated how meaningful it was to have this exchange reception in San Antonio, which houses many military bases and is nicknamed “Military City USA.” He further mentioned the sister city exchange between Kumamoto City and San Antonio, his visit to Japan in October 2022, and expressed his wish for the further development and promotion of exchange between both countries. Judge Sakai referred to his roots as a third-generation Japanese American, saying that the current state of friendship is a result of promoting mutual understanding between both countries and San Antonio’s inclusive community.
The event was attended by approximately 200 active and retired U.S. military personnel of the USFJ and their families. There were stage performances of military songs by the U.S. military band, Japanese taiko drums, martial arts demonstrations, and booths for each U.S. military base in Japan. Also in attendance were 12 Japanese Self-Defense Force officials undergoing training at the Lackland U.S. Air Base’s Language Training Center, who eagerly helped deepen exchange between the participants.
The reception was held in hopes that former USFJ military personnel and their families, who gained familiarity of Japan through their time abroad, will continue to embrace Japan after their return to the U.S. and build a lasting network that uses their positive experience to further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations. This was the second time this event was held.
In his welcoming remarks, Consul General Murabayashi emphasized the importance of the U.S. - Japan alliance and noted that the basis of a strong alliance is the people to people exchanges and mutual understanding. He also encouraged the continuation of relationships that former USFJ personnel and their family members share with Japan after their homecoming. He further expressed his wish that they continue to be good friends of Japan and create bridges between the two countries.
Mr. Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, and Mr. Peter Sakai, Bexar County Judge, addressed the audience as guests of honor. Mayor Nirenberg showed his respect for the contributions of the U.S. military in the promotion of world peace and security, and stated how meaningful it was to have this exchange reception in San Antonio, which houses many military bases and is nicknamed “Military City USA.” He further mentioned the sister city exchange between Kumamoto City and San Antonio, his visit to Japan in October 2022, and expressed his wish for the further development and promotion of exchange between both countries. Judge Sakai referred to his roots as a third-generation Japanese American, saying that the current state of friendship is a result of promoting mutual understanding between both countries and San Antonio’s inclusive community.
The event was attended by approximately 200 active and retired U.S. military personnel of the USFJ and their families. There were stage performances of military songs by the U.S. military band, Japanese taiko drums, martial arts demonstrations, and booths for each U.S. military base in Japan. Also in attendance were 12 Japanese Self-Defense Force officials undergoing training at the Lackland U.S. Air Base’s Language Training Center, who eagerly helped deepen exchange between the participants.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Performance
Wadaiko (Japanese Drums) Performance
Panel of USFJ