[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 102 (Friday, June 11, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF FUSA TAKAHASHI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 11, 2021

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, it is with delight that I rise to honor a 
remarkable woman, Fusa Takahashi, for her outstanding advocacy for the 
Go for Broke Japanese American Soldiers of WWII Stamp.
  In 2005, three Nisei women from California, Fusa Takahashi, Aiko King 
and Chiz Ohira, began a fifteen-year campaign for a commemorative stamp 
that would honor and share the story of the brave Nisei men and women 
who served our country during World War II, despite the forced relation 
and incarceration they and their loved ones faced. This important 
history was deeply personal for Fusa and her co-chairs, as each were 
survivors of the forced incarceration. Fusa's late husband, Kazuo 
Takahashi, was an Army veteran of World War II. He bravely served as a 
Military Intelligence Service officer.
  The women's grassroots letter writing campaign began as a small but 
mighty effort, encouraged by friends and community members. However, 
through their hard work, the campaign quickly received support from 
national organizations, state leaders and Congressmembers. Fusa and her 
friends persevered through setbacks and delays, never giving up. In 
November 2020, the U.S. Postal Service announced a Go for Broke 
Soldiers commemorative postage stamp will be issued. The stamp was 
officially issued on June 3rd, 2021.
  Today, the forced relocation and incarceration of over 120,000 
Japanese Americans through Executive Order 9066 is now considered one 
of the most atrocious violations of American civil rights in the 20th 
century. The Go for Broke Stamp is an important reminder of our history 
and a symbol of the tireless advocacy and efforts of Fusa, Aiko and 
Chiz, and all who supported them.
  Madam Speaker, today we honor Fusa, Aiko and Chiz's outstanding 
efforts to honor the brave Nisei Soldiers of World War II. I thank Fusa 
and her partners for their dedication and successful efforts.

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