Honoring Secretary Norman Y. Mineta
Secretary Mineta’s quote at the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II
The National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF) mourns the loss of one of its original founders, long-time supporter and advocate, former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.
Secretary Mineta was a pioneer and led the way for other AANHPI leaders. A few of his many accomplishments include: becoming the first Asian American to become mayor of a major U.S. city; first Japanese American member of Congress elected from the mainland; and the first Asian American Cabinet Member, having served as Secretary of Commerce under President Clinton and Secretary of Transportation under President G.W. Bush. Secretary Mineta was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, and he was awarded the Grand Cordon, Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor of Japan.
Secretary Mineta also co-founded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) and was the board chair for the Japanese American National Museum (JANM).
Secretary Mineta helped to lead the effort which led to the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. Subsequently, he pushed for legislation which resulted in the construction of the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II. To further demonstrate his commitment to the Memorial, he used proceeds from his reparations to help fund the construction of the Memorial.
Despite being unjustly incarcerated during World War II, Secretary Mineta rose above the bitterness and made it his lifelong ambition to ensure that all of us worked towards the goal of a more perfect union. Engraved in granite at the Memorial are Secretary Mineta’s poignant and inspiring words, “May this Memorial be a tribute to the indomitable spirit of a citizenry in World War II who remained steadfast in their faith in our democratic system.”
NJAMF extends our deepest condolences to Deni, the Mineta and Brantner families, and to the countless friends and colleagues of Norm.
MEMORIES OF NORMAN Y. MINETA
John Tobe, NJAMF Board Chair:
“Norm was a hero to so many of us. Not only did he break through countless barriers but he also understood the need and responsibility to help others and to promote them so they could also succeed. One of Norm’s many gifts was getting people from different backgrounds, parties and points of view to work together toward a common purpose. Norm used to say that we are ‘all threads of the same tapestry’. Norm lived up to that motto his entire life. We will deeply miss him.”
Larry Oda, NJAMF Chair Emeritus and past National JACL President:
“It was with a great deal of sadness that I learned of my friend Norm’s passing. We, as a community were extremely fortunate to have Norm as our guide, to lead the way and encourage us to strive for better things. The past few years, before Covid, the spotlight shone bright on Norm including the documentary on his life, which raised his profile even higher in the nation’s consciousness. We see the things that he’s done for us and it is now our responsibility to practice what Norm taught us. I will be forever grateful for Norm’s leadership, counsel and friendship and offer my deepest condolences to Deni and the family for their loss. He will be greatly missed.”
Dr. Craig D. Uchida, NJAMF Chair Emeritus:
“Norm was a rock star among Japanese- and Asian-Americans. He could not walk into a room without being mobbed. With his wife Deni by his side he would work the room with grace and style. A true gentleman, Norm had time for everyone. He would patiently pose for a picture and sign a program. With all of his accomplishments and achievements, he always remembered his roots, struggles, family, friends, and community.”
Melvin H. Chiogioji, RADM, CEC, USN (retired) and NJAMF Chair Emeritus:
“It is with great personal sadness that we have just lost an ICON for the Japanese American Community, Norm Mineta. Norm was many things to many people but he was a hero for the Japanese American Community. He was always there in time of need. His contributions are too numerous to mention but he was always able to serve the American people as Mayor of San Jose, 20 years in the Congress, a Cabinet Secretary to two Presidents, as well as a business leader. He was a great supporter of the NJAMF in helping to obtain the land for the Memorial as well as assisting in fundraising, design, building and dedication of the Memorial while I was Chairman of the NJAMF. He is a great loss to the JA community as well as the nation. He is a personal loss to me since he has been a friend and mentor for more than 40 years. He will be missed.”
Daniel P. Matthews, NJAMF Chair Emeritus:
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Secretary Norm Mineta. He was as true an American patriot as I have ever known. Secretary Mineta’s service to his fellow citizens is storied and inspirational. Norm’s service as councilman, mayor, congressman, Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Transportation and spokesperson sets an impeccable standard. His selfless and relentless pursuit of rightful recognition of the Japanese Americans contributions during WWII is an example for all interested in redress and justice. I am proud to be counted as one of his friends. I treasure the many kind and encouraging words Norm shared with me over the years. He truly will be missed though he lives on in many warm and long-lasting memories. To his wife Deni and the entire Mineta family I offer my deepest condolences.”
Cal Shintani, former NJAMF Chair:
“Secretary Norman Mineta will justifiably be remembered for his unparalleled patriotism through all levels of government, his quiet and strong leadership, and his unflagging championing of civil rights. During this month in which we remember the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Norm Mineta is a shining example of what any American can achieve in spite of obstacles of prejudice and discrimination. I will also remember him for his humble servant mindset and unselfish willingness to meet with groups of students and other citizens to share his insights and experiences.”
David Yao, Founder and Past Committee Chair, National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk:
“America has lost a true patriot. Embodying the generous ideals of enlightened leadership, Norm Mineta freely gave of his time, his energy, his experience and advice to those who sought it, and he actively supported causes that he knew would benefit not only the JA or AA communities, but also for our greater ‘American Tapestry’ community. Norm was an ardent supporter of the Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk from its inception. For the past 24 years, he never missed this annual event unless it was in direct conflict with his duty as a senior government official or his health. We will forever be grateful for his unwavering support, as well as his magnanimous messages of forgiving but not forgetting the past, and for all to work together toward a better future. We will miss you Uncle Norm. Rest in peace.”
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About the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF)
The National Japanese American Memorial was dedicated in 2000 and NJAMF is the nonprofit organization dedicated to education and public awareness about the internment of Japanese Americans by the U.S. government during World War II. NJAMF believes that our nation is strengthened by its diversity, and that constitutional rights must be cherished, guarded and upheld regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.