Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues to recognize and honor the selfless service of the Japanese Americans who served our country in World War II with the famed 100th Infantry Battalion of Hawaii, or the One Puka Puka. This year, the fabled 100th celebrates its 80th anniversary. The battalion was composed of 1,400 Americans of Japanese ancestry whose loyalty was questioned by our government following the attacks on Pearl Harbor and much worse. Although much of the U.S. public looked upon them with disdain and skepticism, these soldiers simply persevered. Their story is one of patriotism, tenacity, and courage. Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, and when anti-Japanese hysteria was at its peak, these young men raised their hands and demanded the right to defend America. With the support of U.S. military officers and others in Hawaii and elsewhere, the Federal Government eventually created an all-nisei, or second-generation Japanese-American Army unit, the 100th Infantry Battalion. Just before their deployment in August of 1943, the men of the One Puka Puka selected the motto ``Remember Pearl Harbor'' to reflect their anger at the attack on their country. Although the cloud of racism and underlying uncertainty hovered over these brave Americans, their performance was nothing less than exemplary. In September 1943, the 100th arrived in North Africa, but soon transferred to central Italy, where it faced heavy combat.…”