A new exhibit in Honolulu is shining a spotlight on Japanese American soldiers who served in World War II, and it's a point of pride for Hawaii in particular.

• The "I Am an American" exhibit tells the story of Nisei soldiers through personal artifacts, including a travel bag covered in hand-drawn images from places like Hawaii and North Africa.
• More than half of the soldiers featured came from Hawaii, which is why the exhibit's tour made Honolulu one of its first stops before heading to the mainland.
• Families of veterans, including relatives of Medal of Honor recipient Robert Kuroda, donated personal items like class rings and medals now on display.
• The exhibit's title comes from a sign a Japanese American shop owner put up after Pearl Harbor reading "I Am an American," a declaration of identity that mirrors what the soldiers themselves proved through their service.
• Separately, a nearby plaza is unveiling a permanent wall of honor with photos of local veterans, sponsored by an American Legion post.

Outlook: The free exhibit runs only through March, so organizers are urging people to visit before it moves on to its next stop.