[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 86 (Thursday, June 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ``GO FOR BROKE'' MONUMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 1999

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I honored to recognize the completion of the 
``Go for Broke'' Monument today in Los Angeles, California. I ask all 
of my colleagues to join with me in commemorating this important 
unveiling.
  The ``Go for Broke'' Monument is the first of its kind in the 
Mainland United States to honor the World War II heroics of Japanese 
American soldiers who fought bravely while their families were held in 
U.S. internment camps. It commemorates the 100th, 442nd, MIS, 522nd, 
1399th, and 232nd battalions and serves as a permanent reminder that 
civil liberties belong to all Americans of all races and ethnic 
backgrounds.
  Today, the ``Go for Broke'' Monument will be given to the City of Los 
Angeles by its builder, the 100th/442nd/MIS World War II Memorial 
Foundation. Nisei veterans, their children, and grandchildren from 
throughout the United States will gather to celebrate the ``Go for 
Broke'' Monument.
  This is a special moment for all Americans, but especially those of 
Japanese descent, to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who defended 
democracy while their own families were being denied the most basic 
civil liberties back home. I applaud the foundation's mission to 
educate our nation about the selfless achievements of these brave Nisei 
veterans.
  I am honored to join with Senator Daniel Inouye, Secretary of the 
Army Louis Caldera, and a host of other distinguished guests and 
veterans in marking this great occasion. The legacy of the Japanese 
American soldiers who fought in World War II, and the values that they 
represent, must never be forgotten.
  In addition to building the monument, the non-profit 100th/442nd/MIS 
World War II Memorial Foundation, in partnership with the Japanese 
American Citizens League and the Japanese American National Museum, has 
secured grant funding to develop an important educational program on 
constitutional issues and civil rights. I salute these efforts to 
educate all Americans about our nation's bedrock principles.
  Too few of our nation's young people are aware of the heroics of the 
100th/442nd/MIS during World War II. This monument will attract 
students, foreign visitors, and many others to the story of the 
Japanese Americans who fought during World War II. All of my colleagues 
can share in my pride knowing that this chapter of our national history 
will not be told more often to more of our citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, as the ``Go for Broke'' Monument is unveiled in Los 
Angeles, I am extremely honored to recognize all of the Nisei veterans 
present for their steadfast patriotism and commitment to our country. I 
ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting them and commemorating 
the unveiling of this marvelous monument.




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