2026 Defining Courage on the USC Campus, Los Angeles: Day of Remembrance: Honoring Valor, their Courage Lights the Path of Remembrance (Video)NEW

Defining Courage is a journey into the legacy of the Nisei Soldier, Americans of Japanese ancestry who served in the segregated military units of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, and 522nd Field Artillery Battalion. Considered the greatest fighting units in American military history, most have never heard their extraordinary stories.

Produced and narrated by ABC7-Los Angeles news anchor and filmmaker David Ono along with musicians and vocalists curated by music director Chris Wade, this powerful documentary honors the legacy of the Nisei veterans.

Fly over World War II battlefields in Italy, France, Japan, and Germany in an unforgettable event with stunning cinematography, live music and choir, historic film, and eyewitness interviews. Far from a history lesson, this piece of innovative storytelling is a testament to inner strength, one that inspires us in our search for courage in today’s world.

As of 1-28-2025: University of Southern California
POSTPONED to 2026 Bovard Auditorium
Thursday, February 19th, 2026 - 6PM


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Defining Courage is presented by Story Boldly
The February 19 performance of Defining Courage is presented by Story Boldly, the Japanese American National Museum, Outside In Theatre, and hosted by the USC Asian Pacific Cinema Association, along with supporting organizations and individuals including the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association, the USC Ito Center for Japanese Religions and Cultures, Professor Susan H. Kamei, and Professor Velina Hasu Houston.

About Day of Remembrance
The Day of Remembrance for Japanese Americans is typically observed on or around February 19 each year. This date marks the anniversary of Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, which authorized the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

The day serves as a time to reflect on the injustices suffered by Japanese Americans and to educate others about this period in history to prevent such events from happening again. Events and activities often include educational programs, exhibits, and community gatherings.