Go For Broke Monument

Go For Broke Monument. The Go For Broke Monument is a nationally recognized memorial located in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, dedicated to the Japanese American soldiers of World War II. It specifically honors the more than 33,000 men who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, and other units. The monument's name derives from the 442nd RCT's motto, "Go for Broke," symbolizing the all-out effort and immense sacrifices made by these soldiers, many of whom fought for the United States while their families were held in internment camps.

Description

The monument is a curved, 40-foot long wall of polished black granite, standing 12 feet high, situated within the Japanese American National Museum plaza. Its central design features a large, circular bronze relief depicting the 442nd Regimental Combat Team insignia, which incorporates the Torii gate symbol. Flanking this central emblem are two large bronze plaques containing the inscribed names of over 16,000 Nisei soldiers who served during World War II. The structure's solemn, reflective surface is intended to engage visitors, allowing them to see their own reflection among the names of the veterans, creating a powerful connection between past and present.

History

The initiative for the monument was spearheaded in the late 1980s by the Go For Broke National Education Center, an organization founded by World War II veterans like Senator Daniel K. Inouye and other members of the 442nd RCT. The project faced significant challenges in fundraising and securing an appropriate location, with early proposals considered for sites near the Los Angeles City Hall. After years of persistent advocacy by the veterans' community, a site was secured in Little Tokyo, a historic cultural center for Japanese Americans in Southern California. The monument's design by architect J. Marion Sanford was selected through a national competition, and construction was completed in 1999.

Inscription and symbolism

The most prominent inscription is the phrase "Go For Broke" carved in large letters above the central bronze crest. The wall is inscribed with the names of soldiers, organized by military unit and home state, providing a permanent record of individual service. Key symbolic elements include the Torii gate within the regimental insignia, representing a passage between worlds and the soldiers' bridge between their Japanese heritage and American citizenship. The use of black granite symbolizes solemnity and permanence, while the circular form of the central emblem evokes unity and continuity. The monument's text also includes a dedication to the Nisei veterans' legacy of courage and patriotism.

Dedication and ceremonies

The monument was formally dedicated on June 5, 1999, in a ceremony attended by thousands, including numerous veterans, political leaders, and community members. Key figures at the dedication included President Bill Clinton, who delivered a recorded message, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. Annual ceremonies are held at the site, most notably on Memorial Day and the anniversary of the dedication, often involving the U.S. Army, veterans' groups, and organizations like the Japanese American Citizens League. In 2022, the monument was officially designated a National Historic Landmark in a ceremony featuring officials from the National Park Service.

Related memorials

The legacy of the Nisei soldiers is commemorated at several other significant sites. The National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II in Washington, D.C. features a similar bronze sculpture and honors both the soldiers and internees. In Honolulu, the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center serves as an educational and community hub, while the 442nd RCT is also honored at the Battle of the Bulge monuments in Belgium and the Champagne Campaign sites in France. The Go For Broke National Education Center maintains a complementary "Hanashi" oral history archive, and the Japanese American National Museum adjacent to the monument provides extensive historical context on the internment era and military service.