Boxer Honors Japanese-American World War II Veterans At Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

Senator Sponsored Legislation to Bestow Congress’ Highest Honor

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today made the following remarks at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring Japanese-Americans that served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service.

Senator Boxer sponsored the Senate legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow, on these veterans who bravely served our nation even as many of their family members were sent to internment camps during World War II.

A video of Senator Boxer remarks is available for download here.

Below are Senator Boxer’s remarks, as prepared for delivery.

Good morning!

It was a great privilege for me to carry the Senate legislation that awards the Go for Broke heroes a Congressional Gold Medal – the highest honor the U.S. Congress can bestow. Granting this medal is a long overdue honor which recognizes and expresses our utmost appreciation for your dedicated service in the U.S. Army during World War II.

You fought World War II on two fronts. As President Truman said, “You fought not only the enemy … you fought prejudice and won.”

You enlisted even as many of your family members and friends were sent to internment camps. You served your country despite being subjected to hurtful slurs and deep suspicion from many of your fellow citizens.

Your bravery led to your units being known as the “Go for Broke” regiments because of your willingness to risk everything for the cause you believed in.

You made a decision, as my dear friend Senator Inouye has said, that America was “worth fighting for and worth dying for.”

While we can never repay the debt that we owe you, we can – and we must – recognize your valor and patriotism. That is what we are doing today.

Thank you for making sure we preserve the incredible story of the Go for Broke regiments for future generations. We thank you and we honor your service.

May God bless our veterans, our men and women in uniform, and may God bless America.