“Gold Stars and GO for BROKE – TODAY”
“Of special interest to me, and I feel, that there are others that would also like to be in the know – of some the things that made a difference, and still are making worthwhile NEWS, in our lives – TODAY!”
NATIONAL GO FOR BROKE DAY
National Go For Broke Day is observed annually on April 5.
The phrase “Go for broke” has roots in Hawaiin Pidgin meaning “wager everything.”
Our strongest research points to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army as the reason for this day. The 442nd RCT was a regimental size fighting unit composed mainly of American soldiers of Japanese descent who volunteered to fight in World War II. The 442nd RCT is considered to be the most decorated infantry regiment in the history of the United States Army. “Go for Broke” was the 442nd Regimental Combat Team motto.
The story doesn’t end there, though. The date of April 5 is significant. On that day, the first Medal of Honor recipient from this regiment was killed in action near Seravazza, Italy in 1945.
Private First Class Sadao Munemori sacrificed his life for the men in his unit when they were pinned down by enemy fire near Seravazza, Italy. The unit continued in battle near Serravezza, Carrara and Fosdinovo, Italy until April 14, 1945, and received the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding accomplishments in combat. This was just one of eight Presidential Unit Citations the unit would be awarded during their service.
Not only were they the most decorated unit for its size and length of service, but 21 of the Medals of Honor were also awarded. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team also earned 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 1 Distinguished Service Medal, 560 Silver Stars, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier’s Medals, 4,000 Bronze Stars and 9, 486 Purple Hearts.
The 1951 movie Go for Broke depicts the story of the 442nd RTC for the big screen.
Go for Broke Day truly signifies giving it your all regardless of the obstacles ahead.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Take a risk and Go for Broke. To learn more about the men of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team visit www.goforbroke.org. Use #NationalGoForBrokeDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Our research was unable to find the creator of National Go for Broke Day.
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GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY
Gold Star Spouses Day on April 5 honors the surviving loved ones of military service members killed in the line of duty.
The day is a time of remembrance for the spouses and their families and a time of recognition of their sacrifices. Many communities and organizations hold events showing support for Gold Star families on this day. Through ceremonies, teas, memorial races, and luncheons, fallen warriors are honored and remembered.
The loss of our service members extends beyond the battlefield. They leave behind grieving wives and husbands who become members of an exclusive community no one asks to join. As a nation, our support, understanding, and respect are the least we can provide in return.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Attend a local event or volunteer with a veterans group. If you know a Gold Star family, stay connected. Find out more about Gold Star spouses by visiting goldstarwives.org. Use #GoldStarSpousesDay to share on social media.
HISTORY
World War I and Army Captian Robert L. Queissner paved the way for Gold Star families. National Gold Star Mother’s Day was designated on June 23, 1936, by a joint congressional resolution to occur on the Last Sunday in September. In 2011, President Barack Obama amended the day to “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.”
In 2010, the first Gold Star Wives Day was observed in December. In 2012, the U.S. Senate designated Gold Star Wives Day to be recognized each year on April 5th. The language was later changed to be more inclusive of all spouses, and the name of the day is often used interchangeably.
The nonprofit organization Gold Star Wives, Inc. welcomes all spouses.
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