Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, people of Los Angeles. I am thrilled that I happen to be here for this event. Last May, I visited this beautiful museum, and this time I am honored to be back as an eyewitness of your community spirit and to take part in the opening of your 66th Nisei Week Festival.

Nisei Week, as the name clearly says, is really the legacy of the 2nd generation of Japanese immigrants to America. From what I understand, it has helped invigorate local business, preserve Japanese American culture, pass the heritage from the pioneering generation to the younger generations, and introduce Japanese American culture to wider spectrums of people in this region.

Your festival and its traditions are constants that have endured throughout the evolution of this changing community, and for that I have the highest respect for all of you who have made enormous efforts to make it happen every year through your volunteer efforts.

Thank you very much for allowing me to share in your tradition, and congratulations! I wish you the best for your 66th Nisei Week Festival.