Political Quotes

“Today the Washington state Congressional delegation introduced bills in the House and in the Senate to honor a fallen hero, William Kenzo Nakamura, by designating the Seattle federal courthouse in his honor. This brave soldier fought in Italy during World War II, and he died valiantly protecting his battalion. The day he died, Mr. Nakamura had already risked his life and saved his combat team by disarming an enemy machine gun stronghold. Mr. Nakamura should have received the Medal of Honor for this act of bravery, but he did not. Even as this man's family was held in an internment camp in Idaho, he volunteered for duty in the United States military, and he headed to Italy to serve his country. After his heroic and selfless deeds, Mr. Nakamura was posthumously eligible for the Medal of Honor, but in World War II the Army did not award Japanese-Americans the Medal of Honor. I was pleased that earlier this year that twenty-two veterans, in similar circumstances to and including Mr. Nakamura, received Medals of Honor for their brave service in World War II. These men and their families waited too long for proper recognition and appreciation, and these honors are well deserved. Though military heroes are often given medals for their service, the people of Washington state would like to extend a special tribute to Mr. Nakamura by naming the federal courthouse in Seattle in his honor.”