[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 116 (Tuesday, September 26, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S9268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Kerrey, and Mr. 
        Gorton):
  S. 3109. A bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 
1010 Fifth Avenue in Seattle, Washington, as the ``William Kenzo 
Nakamura United States Courthouse''; to the Committee on Environment 
and Public Works.


          the william kenzo nakamura united states courthouse

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that 
would designate the existing United States Federal Courthouse for the 
Western District of Washington in Seattle, Washington, as the ``William 
Kenzo Nakamura United States Courthouse.'' William Nakamura was born in 
1922, and grew up in Seattle, Washington. He attended public schools 
and was a student at the University of Washington when he and 110,000 
other Japanese Americans were removed from their communities and forced 
into internment camps.
  For many, the disgrace of the internment camps and the injustice of 
that American policy fostered resentment and anger. Rather than succumb 
to hate, William Kenzo Nakamura chose to fight for the very country 
that had treated him unjustly. He enlisted in the 442d Regimental 
Combat Team, which went on to become the most decorated military team 
in U.S. history. While fighting in Italy, Pfc. William Nakamura was 
killed on July 4, 1944. At the time of his death, he was providing 
cover for his retreating platoon. Earlier that day, he had also gone 
beyond the call of duty and single-handedly destroyed a machine-gun 
nest.
  Following his death, Nakamura's commanding officer nominated him for 
the Medal of Honor. According to Army policy at the time, Japanese 
Americans could not receive the Medal of Honor. Instead, Pfc. Nakamura 
was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the military's second 
highest honor. This past June, Pfc. Nakamura and 21 other Asian-
American veterans of World War II were finally honored with the 
Congressional Medal of Honor. Senator Inouye, who served in the same 
unit as Mr. Nakamura, was one of those who received the Congressional 
Medal of Honor that day. I was proud to be present at the White House 
for the ceremony.
  I am pleased that both of the Medal of Honor recipients in Congress 
are original cosponsors of the bill: Senators Inouye and Kerry. I am 
also honored to have my Washington state colleague, Senator Gorton, as 
an original cosponsor. Congressman McDermott is sponsoring this 
legislation in the House, and I thank him for his efforts. Like many 
Asian-American veterans, Nakamura didn't hesitate when his country 
called. He and many others went to war and gave their lives for 
freedoms which they and their families were denied at home.
  Mr. President, we can't undo the injustice suffered by Japanese-
Americans during World War II, but we can give these noble Americans 
the recognition they deserve. The William Kenzo Nakamura Courthouse 
will serve as a permanent reminder that justice must serve all 
Americans equally. I urge my colleagues to support this piece of 
legislation.
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