People are always amazed when I share with them the fact that there were Japanese American WWII veterans who witnessed the Holocaust. It was the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team who not only saw the horrific acts of Hitler's Nazi racism, but who was in fact part of the allied forces liberation efforts. The 522nd is credited for rescuing survivors of a Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, notably saving victims of the Landsberg-Kaufering Dachau Death March. The irony here is that many of the 522nd soldiers and/or their family members were also incarcerated in segregated camps back home in the United States. Although one can never compare the two, there are definitely lessons learned from this paradox in our history.

Below you'll read the first-hand account of veteran Ed Ichiyama, who shares his experiences of rescuing prisoners and witnessing the horrendous conditions of Dachau. I've had the privilege of knowing Ed. He is a wonderful spokesperson and is actively involved in sharing this significant story in the Hawaii community and classrooms. Please take a moment to read his unforgettable story during World War II.

In closing, I would like to invite you to attend the Go For Broke Monument Anniversary event on June 3 when we pay tribute to all Japanese American WWII veterans. It is the one occasion each year that we can say "thank you" to our veterans, and express our appreciation for the sacrifices they made to ensure that we have the privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. More than 500 people are anticipated to attend this tribute, and we invite you to join us on this special day.

Sincerely,
Christine Sato-Yamazaki
Executive Director & President

On Saturday June 3, from 10-11 a.m. the Go For Broke Educational Foundation will commemorate the 7th anniversary of the Go For Broke Monument located in Little Tokyo at Temple and Alameda streets. The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, will pay tribute to the veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and others. Keynote speaker will be Vice Admiral Robert Kihune (Ret.) of Hawaii. Mistress of Ceremonies will be actor Tamlyn Tomita, and this year's Go For Broke Award is being awarded posthumously to Col. Young Oak Kim, the Educational Foundation's founding chairman. A special Visionary Award is being presented to Los Angeles City Councilmember 9th District, the Honorable Jan Perry.

The Go For Broke Educational Foundation is excited to announce its 5th Go For Broke Golf Tournament to be held Monday, July 17 at the beautiful Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, California. In addition to an enjoyable round of golf, this all-day affair will include lunch, dinner buffet, program presentation, and an extensive raffle of great prizes. Each golfer will go home with a special gift as well. Format for the golf tournament is medal play.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and shotgun start at 10 a.m. The cost per player is $200 for members and $225 for non-members. Veterans (of all wars) are being offered the $200 entry fee. Women golfers are also encouraged to join this day of fun. There will be a women's flight in addition to the men's flights (A, B, and Callaway) and senior's flight (age 70-plus).