On October 18, 2024, just prior to the 80 Anniversary celebration of the Liberation of

Bruyères, Mayor Denis Masy and Carl Williams cut the ribbon on the temporary museum in honor of the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team and the French Resistance who aided them.

The Nisei Museum has borrowed limited space in the Henri Mathieu Musee, a historic building that was once a Jewish synagogue. We thank the town of Bruyères and all those who have contributed to this first step and look forward to moving to the final phase — the permanent site which is now being considered by the Mayor and City Council. A special thanks to all those who contributed artifacts which were shipped by air to France as part of 54 cartons.

Our daughter, Mariko Williams, is largely responsible for the artistic work that resulted in the museum’s layout, a layout that follows the Nisei story from Pearl Harbor to ultimate

victory and the incredible number of medals and honors — including the 21 Medals of Honor earned by Americans of Japanese descent. Former Mayor Yves Bonjean, using his personal tools and skills, worked with us throughout the preparation and did a great deal to make the opening a success.

The image depicts the work in progress and in the left side of the photo shows the portion of the exhibition in honor of the French Resistance. Note the relief map at the lower right of the image and the campaign map behind the mannequin in 442nd RCT uniform. French re-enactors help accurately dress the mannequin with both original and replica 442nd RCT combat uniform. All displays were in both French and English.