[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING ASIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, THE EAST SAN GABRIEL VALLEY 
 JAPANESE COMMUNITY CENTER, AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF JAPANESE AMERICANS 
                            IN WORLD WAR II

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                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand to recognize the 100th Infantry 
Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, 
522nd Field Artillery Battalion, 232nd Combat Engineer Company, 1399th 
Engineering Construction Battalion, and the many Japanese American men 
and women who bravely served our country during World War II. I also 
would like to recognize the leadership of the East San Gabriel Valley 
Japanese Community Center for organizing the Cherry Blossom Festival in 
West Covina, CA in honor of Asian American Heritage Month and in honor 
of the contribution Japanese Americans have made to the United States 
of America.
  As the U.S. entered World War II in late 1941, many living during 
that period, including the government, questioned the loyalty of 
Japanese Americans to the United States. Sadly, thousands of Japanese 
Americans were heavily scrutinized and sent to live in confinement at 
concentration camps throughout the duration of the war. Additionally, 
the U.S. government would not enlist soldiers of Japanese descent into 
its military, due to its growing distrust of Japan. It was not until 
February 1, 1943, that the U.S. reversed its decision on enlisting 
Japanese Americans to the armed forces, as one of the first Japanese 
American infantry divisions known as the 442nd Regimental Combat Team 
was formed.
  Despite their questioned patriotism, many Japanese Americans proudly 
demonstrated their loyalty to the U.S. by volunteering to defend their 
adopted country. As loyal American soldiers, they did everything 
necessary to assist the United States during the war. Whether it be 
fighting enemies in war-torn Europe, providing the U.S. military with 
invaluable human intelligence, or engineering and constructing military 
bridges with unmatched skill, Japanese Americans helped turn the tide 
of World War II and helped lead the United States to victory in the mid 
1940s.
  Although not well received by many Americans after the war and 
sometimes sadly forgotten in today's history books, Japanese Americans 
serving in World War II should and will always be remembered for their 
exceptional and invaluable contribution to the well being of our 
country. As evident in today's Cherry Blossom Festival in West Covina 
and throughout the nation, these unsung heroes will never be forgotten 
and will always share a place in American history. They have and will 
continue to exemplify the excellence in American leadership today.




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