(May 29, 2008) Downtown Los Angeles – Congresswoman Roybal-Allard (CA-34) met with Christine Sato-Yamazaki, CEO and President of the Go For Broke National Education Center and several WWII Japanese American veterans to discuss the organization’s plans to build an educational center. The organization’s mission is to teach and preserve the American story and legacy of American veterans of Japanese ancestry whose heroism and sacrifices during World War II triumphed over racism and intolerance.

Incorporated in 1989, the organization was established by Japanese American World War II veterans who worked to build the Go For Broke Monument, which is a tribute to their fellow soldiers. The monument, unveiled in 1999 and located Downtown at Temple and Alameda streets in the 34th District, is the first of its kind on the mainland U.S. Today, the organization focuses on educating the public about the history of Japanese American WWII soldiers, the Japanese American incarceration, and the lessons about civil liberties that can be taken away from that time in our nation’s history. A supporter of the Go For Broke National Education Center, the congresswoman secured federal funds for its teacher training workshops and is working to secure additional federal funds to build the new education center next to the monument.

Pictured in the photo from left to right: Japanese American WWII Military Intelligence Service veteran George Fujimori of Gardena, CA; Japanese American WWII veteran (member of the famous 442 Regimental Combat Team) and Downey resident Henry Ikemoto; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; Christine Sato-Yamazaki, CEO and President of the Go For Broke National Education Center; and Japanese American WWII Military Intelligence Service veteran and Gardena resident Ken Akune.

Regarding Mr. Ikemoto of Downey, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army was an Asian American unit composed of mostly Japanese Americans who fought in Europe during WWII while many of the soldier’s families were subject to internment in the United States. The 442nd was a self-sufficient fighting force, and fought with uncommon distinction in Italy, southern France, and Germany. The unit became the most highly decorated military unit in the history of the United States Armed Forces, including 21 Medal of Honor recipients, earning it the nickname “The Purple Heart Battalion.”