There’s Good News: Bend father-daughter duo honored for preserving Nisei veterans’ history in Oregon
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Bend father-daughter duo is being honored for helping preserve Oregon history. Eric Ballinger and his daughter Mia Ballinger helped lead the coalition behind the Oregon Nisei Veterans WWII Memorial Highway Historical Marker, which received an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award on April 29, 2026. The Oregon Heritage Commission presented the award in Mt. Angel, Ore. This recognition honors their efforts in establishing the marker to commemorate Oregon Nisei veterans who served in World War II.
They were recognized for their grassroots collaboration, which led to the dedication of a 41-mile stretch of Highway 35. This segment, running from Government Camp to Hood River, is now designated as the Oregon Nisei Veterans WWII Memorial Highway. A state-sponsored historical marker accompanies the highway, telling the story of more than 430 Oregon Nisei who served during World War II, even as many of their families were incarcerated under Executive Order 9066.
The coalition consists of descendants of Nisei veterans and various organizations. These include the Oregon Nisei Veterans, American Legion Post 22, Japanese American Museum of Oregon, Japanese American Citizens League and The History Museum of Hood River County.
The Oregon Historical Marker Program, housed within the Oregon Travel Information Council, approved the concept for the historical marker. The program also worked with the group to write and design the signage now displayed on Highway 35. Eliza Canty-Jones, chair of the Oregon Travel Information Council, praised the group's work. "During the writing and design of the historical marker, we saw first-hand the group's dedication and care in bringing little-known history of second-generation Japanese American veterans into the public realm," Canty-Jones said. "We appreciate everyone who worked hard to mend past harms and preserve these historical memories for the future."
Around 33,000 Nisei, second-generation Japanese Americans, served in the U.S. military during World War II. An estimated 437 of these soldiers were Oregonians, many from the Hood River Valley. Despite extreme anti-Japanese attitudes prevalent in the United States at the time, these Nisei served honorably across various military units.
Local author and educator Linda Tamura conducted research that brought to light a specific injustice from November 1944. At that time, the names of 16 Nisei soldiers were blotted from a local honor roll of 1,600 veterans. Tamura's research in local newspapers uncovered details of racism and discrimination that families had found difficult to discuss, which spurred this public project. "Our communities came together to honor the valor of our Nisei veterans - who served our country even as they and their families faced wartime discrimination," Tamura said. "And now we're partnering with the American Legion Post 22, who have publicly apologized for past acts and resolved to "lead our community to honor and respect all of our Nation's people, regardless of race or color." What a message for our youth - and for our future!"
Eric and Mia Ballinger initiated the project. They stated the importance of the highway designation and the historical marker. "Designating the Veterans Highway to the Nisei was an important step in publicly recognizing their sacrifices," Eric and Ballinger said. "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."
The Oregon Travel Information Council is a semi-independent state agency, created by the State of Oregon in the 1970s. The council initially operated the highway blue logo sign program following the Highway Beautification Act. It now also operates the Oregon Historical Marker and Heritage Tree Programs, along with 39 rest areas at 25 locations in Oregon. These locations aim to provide clean, safe and inviting spaces that are open and free to use.
