Recognizing Our Soldiers

Remarks by Senator Barbara Boxer

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.