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NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL CENTER HONOR GO FOR BROKE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION AND NISEI WWII VETERANS WITH “WE THE PEOPLE” AWARD

Torrance, Calif. (November 15, 2002) – On Veteran’s Day on the Battleship USS New Jersey, which is moored in Camden, New Jersey, the Go For Broke Educational Foundation and the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service (MIS) received the “We The People Award,” from the National Constitution Center. Christine Sato-Yamazaki received the award on behalf of the three groups, along with Don Seki representing the 442nd RCT and Col. Harry Fukuhara (Ret.) representing the MIS. Stanley Akita was supposed to receive the award on behalf of the 100th Battalion, but was unable to attend the event. In addition to Seki from Long Beach, Calif., and Fukuhara from San Jose, Calif., more than 25 other Nisei WWII veterans from across the nation attended the Veteran’s Day event.

The “We The People Award” is given by the National Constitution Center to a person or group who exemplifies the qualities of active citizenship envisioned by our nation’s Founders and who has made a noteworthy contribution to constitutional principles. Previous awards have gone to Senators Robert C. Byrd and Mark O. Hatfield, publisher Benjamin C. Bradlee, Ambassador Walter Annenberg, and Representative John R. Lewis.

"The highest office in our republic is not president, senator or mayor, but citizen," stated National Constitution Center President & CEO Joe Torsella. "‘Go For Broke’ is the very definition of what our Founders envisioned as good citizens and we are proud to have members of the regiment represented in the Center’s exhibits in addition to presenting the group with this award."

“It was a privilege to accept the We The People Award on behalf of the Nisei World War II veterans,” said Christine Sato-Yamazaki, executive director of the Go For Broke Educational Foundation. “Through this award, the Educational Foundation forged a working relationship with the National Constitution Center, and we hope to continue this affiliation in the future.”

NCC HONORS NISEI WWII VETS

The stories of two members of the 100/442 will be featured in the Center’s exhibits when it opens July 4, 2003. Soldier William Nakamura will be featured in the National Family Tree and a letter written by fellow soldier George Saito will be included in the portion of the exhibits dedicated to the men and women who have served and currently serve in our military.

The National Constitution Center, an institution dedicated to honoring and explaining the United States Constitution, will open on Philadelphia’s historic Independence Mall on July 4, 2003. The museum will be the first of its kind – a modern, interactive, and exciting center in which people from all walks of life will be invited to learn about the profound impact the Constitution has had in American history and continues to have in Americans’ daily lives. The Center’s mission is to increase awareness and understanding of the Constitution, the Constitution’s history and its relevance in people’s daily lives. For more information, call 215.923.0004 or visit the Web site at www.constitutioncenter.org.

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