“Madam Speaker, as the resolution properly notes, this December 7th will mark the 60th anniversary of Japan's deadly surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. On that Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, a Japanese force of 353 dive-bombers and torpedo planes attacked U.S. military naval forces on Oahu without warning. Our Nation suffered staggering losses, with over 2,400 servicemen and women killed, another 1,200 wounded, over 320 aircraft destroyed or damaged, and all eight U.S. battleships in Pearl Harbor sunk or seriously damaged. The next day, the United States declared war on Japan and later its Axis partners,” noted Faleomavaega. 

       The Congressman continued, “Madam Speaker, in many ways, we prevailed in World War II directly because of the brave and courageous members of our Armed Forces who died and fought at Pearl Harbor. Their sacrifices galvanized and ignited America's fighting spirit as never before, fueling us for years of battle until the forces of tyranny were defeated.” 

       In recognizing the treatment many Japanese Americans received from our government during World War II, the Congressman said, “[B]ut, Madam Speaker, the term Pearl Harbor also means something vastly different to certain Americans who suffered tremendously under the pretense of the policy of our national security.  I am making reference specifically, Madam Speaker, to Americans of Japanese ancestry. Some 100,000 Americans were systematically herded like cattle and placed into concentration camps, with their property confiscated. At the height of tremendous hatred and bigotry and racism, what was very interesting is that we had another fantastic legacy to be shared with every American in our country.” 

       Some Japanese Americans enlisted in the U.S. Army and were placed in one unit  which went on to set the standard for heroism and valor.  The Congressman recognized these Japanese Americans, “It is important to recognize the contributions of the Japanese Americans who served in the U.S. Army's 100th Battalion and 442nd Combat Infantry group.  History speaks for itself in documenting that none have shared their blood more valiantly for America than the Japanese Americans who served in these units while fighting enemy forces in Europe during World War II.”

       “The records of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry are without equal, Madam Speaker.  These Japanese American units suffered an unprecedented casualty rate of 314 percent and received over 18,000 individual decorations. Many were awarded after their deaths for bravery and courage in the field of battle.”

       “For your information, Madam Speaker, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, and 9,480 Purple Hearts were awarded to the Japanese American soldiers of the 100th Battalion 442nd infantry. The 442nd Combat Infantry group emerged as the most decorated combat unit of its size in the history of the United States Army. President Truman was so moved by their bravery in the field of battle, as well as that of African American soldiers during World War II, that he issued an American order to desegregate the Armed Forces.”

       The Congressman singled out Senator Inouye for special recognition, “I am happy to say that after Daniel Akaka introduced legislation in 1996 to review the war records of these soldiers, 20 Medals of Honor were awarded to these Japanese American soldiers, including Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. The Senator was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism in combat and was an original member of the 442nd Infantry Combat group.”

       “I might say also, Madam Speaker, that for many years I have served as executive officer of B Company of the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry.”

       “Madam Speaker, these Japanese Americans paid their dues in blood to protect our Nation from its enemies. It is a shameful legacy in the history of our country that when the patriotic survivors of the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry returned to the United States, many were reunited with their parents, their brothers, and their sisters who were locked up behind barbed wire fences living in concentration camps.”

       Relating a personal story Secretary Norman Mineta tells, the Congressman went on to say, “I recall our former colleague and friend who now serves as Secretary of Transportation, former Congressman Norm Mineta. He said as an 11-year-old, he was in one of these concentration camps. He was told that they had to put all these Japanese Americans in these concentration camps, that it was for their protection. Here was an 11- year-old saying if it was for their protection, why were all the machine guns pointed inside the camps and not outside the camps.”

       “Madam Speaker, the wholesale and arbitrary abolishment of the constitutional rights of these loyal Japanese Americans will forever serve as a reminder and testament that this must never be allowed to occur again. Madam Speaker, as our government deals with the ramifications of the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, I would hope our Nation would not forget this one basic lesson.”

       Faleomavaega concluded his statement by recognizing those who died at Pearl Harbor and those who survived to fight in the war which was declared the next day.  “I urge adoption of the resolution before us, which recognizes and honors the sacrifices of our armed services members who died and served at Pearl Harbor, for they inspire all Americans to seek to preserve and protect our great Nation and democracy.  By the same token, Madam Speaker, let us not also forget what happened to our fellow Americans, the Japanese Americans.  They suffered tremendously and did so without any guilt on their part, simply because they were Americans who happened to be of Japanese ancestry.”