NVN's 'I Am an American' to Debut Feb. 20-22 in S.F.

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The National Veterans Network has announced that its 'I Am an American: Nisei Soldier Experience Traveling Exhibit' will open with a three-day event beginning Feb. 20 in San Francisco. The exhibition, three years in the making, is a partnership with the National Museum of the U.S. Army and the Army Historical Foundation, and aims to honor the extraordinary service of the Nisei soldiers of World War II.

Why it matters

During WWII, Japanese Americans who wished to serve the United States in its armed forces were initially denied by racist policies and were classified as enemy aliens, ineligible to serve despite being U.S. citizens. However, due to manpower shortages, the federal government and Army later allowed Japanese Americans to join the war effort, and the Nisei soldiers went on to serve with distinction in Europe and across the Pacific.

The details

The three-day event takes place at three different venues: Hotel Kabuki (event check-in, hospitality and public programs); MIS Historic Learning Center at the Presidio, site of the 'I Am An American: The Nisei Soldier Experience,' the 1,500-square-foot traveling exhibition; and the Palace of Fine Arts Theater (premiere prereception and grand celebration event). The event includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, timed exhibition tours, panel discussions, and a grand celebration event featuring keynote speakers, a new Nisei soldier tribute, and musical performances.

• The three-day event begins on Friday, February 20, 2026.
• The San Francisco leg of the 'I Am an American' exhibition ends on July 31, 2026.
• The exhibition will then travel to 10 other locations across the U.S. through 2032.

What’s next

The 'I Am an American' exhibition will travel to 10 other locations across the U.S. through 2032 after its debut in San Francisco.