Campaign News
January 22, 2008
ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION HONORING JAPANESE AMERICAN WORLD WAR II HEROES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alberto Gonzalez
Office (916) 319-2049/Cell (562) 569-8170
Email: alberto.gonzalez@asm.ca.govSacramento, CA – Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 33, authored by Assemblymember Mike Eng (D- Monterey Park), was adopted by the California State Assembly today on a vote of 73-0. Specifically, AJR 33 urges the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee of the United States Postal Service to approve a commemorative postage stamp honoring the Nisei (Japanese American) veterans who served in the U.S. Army in World War II.
Over 20,000 Japanese Americans enlisted into the United States Army during World War II, despite being sent to internment camps and facing prejudice after the attack at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Among their many battles, Nisei soldiers in Europe fought at Monte Cassino and Anzio and freed and aided Holocaust victims from the Dachau concentration camp. The most famous unit, the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team, also known as the "Go For Broke" regiment, became one of the most decorated and acclaimed units in American history.
On Thursday, January 24, 2008, the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service will review all suggestions and recommendations to the Postmaster General on what future stamps will be created. There are currently no stamps honoring Japanese American soldiers who fought in World War II.
"This resolution is very important to those heroes who truly changed American history," stated Assemblymember Eng. "We need to let America know their stories and their sacrifices before too many pass away."
The resolution is expected to be heard on the Senate floor this Thursday.
###
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