Congressional Record—Senate S7187
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June 29, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7187 recognition are the sacrifices of the ci- JUSTICE FOR U.S. PRISONERS OF In closing, I urge all Americans, dur- vilian nisei on the homefront, who con- WAR ing this next week as we celebrate our tinued to support the war effort while Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, as we freedom and our great history, to enduring the prejudice of fellow citi- move into recess for our annual Inde- thank our soldiers who gave their lives zens as well as the wholesale violation pendence Day celebration, I wish to and their freedom to fight for our na- of their civil rights by the U.S. Govern- offer my deepest gratitude for all vet- tion. I thank them and express my sup- ment. erans of this country who took the call port that they will be helped and pro- This new memorial honors the valor for arms in silent and noble duty and tected. I will fight for them as they and sacrifice of the hundreds of brave sacrificed more than we can ever repay. fought for me, my children, and all men who fought and died for their From the Revolutionary War to the other Americans. country, and it also speaks to the faith Persian Gulf War, American men and f women have always answered the call and perseverance of 120,000 Japanese RETIREMENT OF VICE ADMIRAL to secure and preserve independence Americans and nationals, who solely JAMES F. AMERAULT and freedom both here and abroad. We on the basis of race, regardless of citi- are forever in their debt. Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, it is with zenship or loyalty, without proof or I also want to take this occasion to great pleasure that I rise to take this justification, were denied their civil recognize and honor a special group of opportunity to recognize the exem- rights in what history will record as brave, indeed extraordinary, soldiers plary service and career of an out- one of our Nation’s most shameful who served this country so gallantly in standing naval officer, Vice Admiral acts. This memorial commemorates WWII. I want to pay special tribute to James F. Amerault, upon his retire- these events in our Nation’s history. It those who served in the Pacific, were ment from the United States Navy at will remind us of the consequences of taken prisoner, and then enslaved, and the conclusion of more than 36 years of allowing hysteria and racial prejudice forced into labor without pay, under honorable and distinguished service. It to override constitutional rights, and, I horrific conditions by Japanese compa- is my privilege to commend him for hope, that we teach this lesson to our nies. outstanding service to the Navy and children to avoid a repetition of our While I in no way wish to suggest our great nation. mistakes. that other American troops did not suf- Vice Admiral Amerault embarked on I congratulate the National Japanese fer equally horrific hardships or served his naval career thirty-six years ago, American Memorial Foundation for the with any less courage, the situation on the 29th of June 1965. In the years tremendous effort that went into orga- faced by this particular group of vet- since that day, he has devoted great nizing and building the Memorial to erans was unique. As recognized in a energy and talent to the Navy and pro- Patriotism. Thousands of Americans unanimous joint resolution last year, tecting our national security interests. from around the country donated funds all members of Congress stated their It would be hard to calculate the innu- to build the memorial. Over 2,000 Ha- strong support for these brave Ameri- merable hours this man has stood cans. As with many of our colleagues waii residents contributed approxi- watch to keep our nation safe. He has here today, I am committed to sup- mately $1 million to this worthy been steadfast in his commitment to porting these veterans in every way project. The completed memorial is the ideals and values that our country possible in their fight for justice. embodies and holds dear. both inspiration and educational. First This weekend the Prime Minister of and foremost, the memorial honors the Following his commissioning at the Japan will be meeting with the Presi- United States Naval Academy, he em- memory of those who gave their lives dent of the United States. I cannot in defense of our freedom and liberty barked on the first of many ships that praise this President enough for his would benefit from his leadership and and remembers all those who were dis- thoughtfulness in hosting this event expertise. Vice Admiral Amerault located or interned from 1942 to 1945. In for the leader of Japan. served at-sea as Gunnery Officer and addition, the memorial draws on a few On this Independence Day, as we striking elements to cause one to honor and appreciate America’s free- First Lieutenant on board USS Massey meditate on the wartime experiences of dom, we cannot help but think of those (DD 778). He then served as Officer in Japanese Americans. The crane sculp- who served our country. Freedom, in- Charge, Patrol Craft Fast 52 in Viet- ture by Nina Akamu, a Hawaii-born deed, is not free. The price is immeas- nam, a challenging and dangerous as- artist, speaks to the prejudice and in- urable. I hope the Prime Minister will signment that kept him in harm’s way. justice confronted by Japanese Ameri- understand, as I know he does, the His courage and commitment to our cans, and in a larger context speaks to value we place upon our veterans—the nation was more than evident during the resiliency of the human spirit over very people who fought and paid the these tumultuous years as he con- adversity. The bell created by Paul price. ducted more than 90 combat patrols in Matisse encourages reflection, its toll Our country appreciates the decades hostile waters off the coast of South marking the struggle and sacrifice of of friendship the United States and Vietnam. One example of his valor and Japanese Americans in our Nation’s Japan have shared. Often, we probably heroism is quoted from Commander history and reminding us of our shared do not recognize as we should the value Coastal Division Fourteen on 21 De- responsibility to defend the civil rights of our bilateral relationship with cember 1967, ‘‘On the night of 4 August and liberties of all Americans. Japan. On many occasions, we get 1967 the patrol craft in the area adja- bogged down in trade disputes. But ul- cent to the one you were patrolling I would also like to congratulate our came under enemy fire. Disregarding friend and colleague, the senior Sen- timately we have found ways to resolve past trade differences, and I am con- your own safety, you directed your pa- ator from Hawaii [Mr. INOUYE] and my fident we can address all current and trol craft to within 300 yards of the friend, Secretary of Transportation beach and bombarded the enemy posi- Norm Mineta, a former Member of Con- future trade issues. It is with this sincere hope and ap- tion with intense .50 caliber and 81mm gress, for their leadership in gaining preciation that I raise the memory of mortar fire. During this exchange your Congressional authorization for the injustices perpetrated by private com- patrol craft was narrowly missed by a memorial and their support for the panies in Japan against American serv- barrage of recoilless rifle fire.’’ Again, work of the National Japanese Amer- icemen, and I hope that we can find a his valor and heroism was established ican Memorial Foundation. resolution to this problem. There is no early in his career. He was awarded a Today’s formal opening of this Me- more appropriate time to open the door Bronze Star Medal with Combat V and morial to Patriotism by the National to this long overdue dialogue between the Navy Combat Action Ribbon for his Japanese American Memorial Founda- the United States and Japan. This is a service. tion in the Nation’s capital is a timely moral issue that will not go away. We Vice Admiral Amerault’s follow-on and necessary endeavor, for it reminds can work with Japan to close this sad sea tours demonstrated the tactical us and future generations of Americans chapter in history. In so doing, we will brilliance that would become his trade- that courage, honor, and loyalty tran- fortify and continue our bilateral rela- mark. His next tour was on board USS scend race, culture, and ethnicity. tionship with Japan. Taylor (DD 468) as Engineer Officer. VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:00 Dec 20, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 J:\ODA425\1997-2008-FILES-4-SS-PROJECT\2001-SENATE-REC-FILES\RECFILES-NEW\S mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S7188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 29, 2001 During this tour he earned a coveted Cathy, a lady to whom he owes much. their continued efforts in improving Shellback certificate for crossing the She has been his key supporter, devot- the lives of others. equator. He then reported as Chief En- ing her life to her husband, to her fam- f gineer on board USS Benner (DD 801) ily, and to the men and women of the THE ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN where he earned his first of three Navy Navy family. She has traveled by his GLOBAL AND NATIONAL COM- Commendation Medals. side for these many years. They are the MERCE ACT Several sea tours followed in steady epitome of the Navy family team.