Campaign News
April 9, 2008
Illinois State Resolution (HR 850) to support the Nisei WWII Veterans Stamp passes
Today, the State of Illinois passed a House resolution, HR 850, to support the creation of a Nisei WWII veterans commemorative postage stamp. Rep. Constance Howard, who spearheaded the effort, read an overview of the resolution at about 12:30 p.m., Central Standard Time, which was quickly passed. A copy of the resolution can be viewed below. More information about the resolution can be found on the state's website, by clicking here
Rep. Howard first filed the resolution on December 4, 2007. It was later sent to the State Government Administration Committee, which unanimously voted to send the resolution to the House floor on February 27, 2008. House sponsors included:
- Reps. Constance Howard
- William B. Black
- Paul D. Froehlich
- Jack D. Franks
- Mike Boland
- Elaine Nekritz
- Greg Harris
- Michael P. McAuliffe
We are deeply grateful to Representative Howard and her staff, in particular Mr. Jude McKenna, for their dedication and hard work to make the resolution a reality. We also again thank JACL Midwest Regional Director Bill Yoshino for his testimony and help to mobilize support in Illinois, and thank all of the local JACL chapters for their help. We thank 442nd Veteran Sam Ozaki, for attending with Mr. Yoshino at the committee hearing on the resolution. Special thanks goes to Carole Herhold for sparking interest in the resolution with Rep. Howard. The resolution would not have been possible without all of the individuals and organizations who worked to make this historic resolution possible. Thank you!
Full text of the resolution:
HR 0850 - House Resolution Whereas, Due to their Japanese lineage, many patriotic Americans were treated as enemies after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941; these Americans, known as "Nisei," or second generation Japanese Americans, fought to prove their loyalties to this nation by entering the United States Army, numbering in the thousands in a stunning example of bravery and patriotism; and
Whereas, The bravery and determination of the thousands of Nisei is well-documented, with such units as the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most awarded and acclaimed units in American history, and the Military Intelligence Service, which saved innumerable lives using their knowledge of Japanese language and culture to bring a swift end to World War II in the Pacific theater; and
Whereas, The incredible acts of sacrifice and valor exhibited by these men are worthy of the greatest respect and admiration and must not be forgotten by subsequent generations; therefore be it
Resolved, By the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Fifth General Assembly of the State of Illinois, that we urge the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee and the United States Postmaster General to honor the "Nisei," who fought bravely again the Japanese during World War II, with a U.S. postage stamp in their honor; and be it further
Resolved, That suitable copies of the resolution be presented to the members of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee and the United States Postmaster General John E. Potter.
Take Action!
REMEMBER to sign the free, Online Petition to support the campaign.
Important Note: This internet petition is separate from the handwritten petitions, and we encourage you to sign both. The online petition allows you to leave comments. You can check out what other signers have written daily. Many give personal testimony in support of the stamp proposal (click on the "Signers" tab at the top of the petition to see them).
More questions?
Contact the campaign at (714) 534-5139