Gardena Honors VFW Commander Stephen Moriyama
The city presented Moriyama, who has led VFW Post 1961 for 15 years, with a Certificate of Recognition.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Civic
The City of Gardena presented VFW Post 1961 Commander Stephen Moriyama with a Certificate of Recognition on Oct. 24 at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute. Mayor Pro Tem Rodney Tanaka presented the certificate, which recognizes Moriyama's 15 years as post commander.
Why it matters
The honor, nominated by Les Higa, cites Moriyama's 15 years of leadership and decades of community service. The event also recognized the post's broader support of local youth and veterans programs.
Moriyama has served 15 years as commander of Gardena Nisei Memorial VFW Post 1961, and Sue Watanabe led the post's Women's Club for over 20 years. Details of the fundraiser's total proceeds were not provided.
The players
Stephen Moriyama
Stephen Moriyama is the commander of Gardena Nisei Memorial VFW Post 1961, a veterans' organization in Gardena, California.
Rodney Tanaka
Rodney Tanaka is a Gardena city official who serves as Mayor Pro Tem and presented the certificate to Moriyama.
Les Higa
Les Higa is a Gardena resident who submitted the nomination letter recommending Moriyama for the honor and served as emcee at the event.
The details
Higa submitted a nomination letter recommending Moriyama for a Certificate of Commendation, and Gardena Honda displayed Moriyama's photo on its sign as a highlighted veteran. Linda Moriyama, the commander's wife, was also recognized for years of service. Ron Ikejiri, a former Gardena City Councilmember, and Mike Miyamoto, the post adjutant, spoke at the event, which Les Higa emceed.
Timeline
Oct. 24, 2026: City presents certificate to Moriyama at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute
Culture Shift
Local recognition of veterans' leaders like Moriyama reflects a Gardena pattern of honoring long-serving community organizers through the city's Certificate of Commendation process. The honor places a single veterans' post's decades of service within the city's wider civic recognition practices.
Residents interested in the post's programs can attend veterans and youth events the post hosts or sponsors. The post's Boy Scout Troop 378 and high school JROTC support are open to local students and families.
The takeaway
Long-term volunteer leadership by local veterans' groups often sustains youth programs and community fundraising. Readers interested in similar recognition can nominate local leaders through their city council offices.
Further reading
For more local civic news, explore Civic coverage in Gardena.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rafu Shimpo.
