A Daughter’s Legacy: Celebrating Oregon's Nisei Veterans
In a remarkable initiative that highlights the importance of preserving history, a father-daughter duo from Bend, Oregon, has received acclaim for their commendable efforts in honoring World War II veterans. Eric and Mia Ballinger played pivotal roles in establishing the Oregon Nisei Veterans WWII Memorial Highway Historical Marker, a project that recently earned the prestigious Oregon Heritage Excellence Award on April 29, 2026.
Recognizing Heroism Amidst Adversity
The Oregon Heritage Commission presented the award in Mt. Angel, Oregon, recognizing the Ballingers' grassroots efforts to commemorate the legacy of Nisei veterans—second-generation Japanese Americans who served valiantly in the military during a time of widespread discrimination and prejudice. Their initiative has culminated in the dedication of a 41-mile stretch of Highway 35, now officially titled the Oregon Nisei Veterans WWII Memorial Highway.
The Coalition Behind the Marker
This community project emerged from a coalition of descendants of Nisei veterans and local organizations, including the Oregon Nisei Veterans and the Japanese American Citizens League. Eliza Canty-Jones, chair of the Oregon Travel Information Council, commended the dedication and commitment of the coalition, emphasizing the significance of bringing the stories of these often-overlooked veterans to the public. "We appreciate everyone who worked hard to mend past harms and preserve these historical memories for the future," she stated.
Honor Restored Through Research
Local educator Linda Tamura's research on a particular incident of racism that saw the names of 16 Nisei soldiers excluded from a local honor roll has provided additional depth to this project. Her work has facilitated an important dialogue about the injustices faced by Japanese American families during the war, and has helped motivate groups to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by the Nisei.
Transforming the Narrative
Eric and Mia Ballinger emphasized that the designation of the Veterans Highway and the historical marker serve not only to commemorate sacrifices but also to transform the narrative surrounding those contributions into one of pride and healing. "The addition of the historical marker allows us to share that history with the public and change the narrative to one of pride, honor, and healing," they stated.
This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of communities in the face of adversity and the importance of acknowledging the contributions of all individuals in shaping our shared history. The Ballinger family's dedication to preserving the memories of Oregon's Nisei veterans stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and community recognition.
