Go For Broke Monument Celebrated
Ceremony marks one year anniversary of Japanese American veterans monument in L.A.
By Sam Chu Lin

Trumpets blared and the rat-tee-tee-tat of drums rang out as members of the Los Angeles Police Band played patriotic songs to a crowd of about 200 people gathered June 3 in the heart of Los Angeles’ Civic Center. One year ago the “Go For Broke” Monument, recognizing the patriotism of Japanese American veterans during World War II, was dedicated. Those on hand returned to the monument’s site to remind the community of the sacrifices Japanese American veterans made.

In his opening remarks, actor Pat Morita told the audience it was an honor to return as master of ceremonies on this one-year anniversary.

“Through remarkably distinguished services, the 100th, 442nd, and MIS helped restore personal freedom and civil rights, not only for future generations of Americans of Japanese ancestry, but all Americans,” he stated. “Their sacrifice and their heroism demonstrated that civil liberties should never again be denied to anyone because of one’s race, ancestry or cultural heritage. This ‘Go For Broke’ Monument symbolizes that Nisei legacy.”

The Go For Broke organization has set aside funds and made it a top priority to educate the public about the deeds of the veterans.

Sansei Robin Morishita, co-chairman of the Go For Broke Educational Foundation, reflected how his own father and four uncles had helped to pave the way for his own generations’ successes.

“We were able to attend the schools that we wanted,” he said. “We were able to have the jobs and careers that we have today, and we were able to live in the communities that we do.

“We are now reaching into the classrooms,” Morishita continued, “and into the hearts and minds of students. We have developed educational materials and training programs to tell the story of these courageous Americans to insure that we, as citizens of this great nation will never again be deprived of our civil rights.”

Retired Colonel Young Oak Kim, who helped spearhead the drive to build the Go For Broke Monument, introduced Los Angeles City Councilwoman Rita Walters and called her “our champion at City Hall. Without her unfailing leadership and support, I question very much that this monument would be here today,” he said.

“It’s her leadership that will turn this parking lot into a park, and eventually this monument will anchor the eastern walkway from City Hall to Little Tokyo.”

Both Kim and Morita presented the councilwoman with a small black granite replica of the monument, which was engraved with President Truman’s quote: “You fought not only the enemy; you fought prejudice and won.”

“I just want to say ‘Thank you’ to Colonel Kim and all of the valiant men and women who struggled under extreme conditions of injustice to serve their country during the war, a country at that time really did not appreciate them,” she said. “The words of this proud “Pledge of Allegiance” did not extend to them. Yet they served with distinction anyway.”