Congressman Adam Schiff and Mayor Gary Yamauchi pose for a
photo with members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Upon activating the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT) in 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed that “The principle on which this country was founded and by which it has always been governed is that Americanism is a matter of the mind and heart; Americanism is not, and never was, a matter of race or ancestry."

Roosevelt’s proclamation was proven over and over by the American-born recruits of Japanese ancestry from the 100th and 442nd RCT and Military Intelligence Service (MIS), who “had to earn the privilege” to fight for their country in World War II after being rejected in basic training due to a sense of prejudice, suspicion and distrust from other soldiers as well as highly placed military and political leaders. However, as the war went on these honorable soldiers proved their loyalty as Americans—as well as their motto—“Go for Broke,” which meant to risk everything in the quest to win big. In fact, by the end of their service they had earned the distinction as the most decorated U.S. military unit in history for its size and length of service.

As a way to honor the heroes of the 442nd Regiment (now mostly in their 80s), a special recognition ceremony was held at the Alhambra Bandshell at Alhambra Park in August, attended by our local Congressman Adam Schiff and Alhambra Mayor Gary Yamauchi, as well as many residents from the community. In addition to relating stories from their experiences and being able to view photos, Congressman Schiff presented each of the 442nd veterans with a U.S. flag that had been flown at the White House in their honor—while Councilman Yamauchi gave them a plaque from the City of Alhambra honoring their service and sacrifices.

Congressman Schiff shared his efforts in Congress to call upon the U.S. Postal Service Stamp Advisory Committee to issue a commemorative stamp series honoring the 442nd Regiment, the Tuskegee Airmen and Navajo Code Talkers. Those attending the ceremony were able to sign a petition requesting the stamp series. Others wishing to do so may print out a petition (available online at www.minorityvetstamps.org/petition_ja.pdf) and mail it to the USPS Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee.