Go For Broke Day 2023: National Go for Broke Day is on April 5, and we are excited to commemorate this day in honour of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army, one of the finest American military units that fought for peace and saw the end of World War II. Did you know that this entire military unit is comprised of American Japanese? Yes, and their tenacity and dedication to duty made them a unit worthy of remembrance.
HISTORY OF GO FOR BROKE DAY
‘Go for broke’ derives from Hawaiian Pidgin slang used by craps players, which means to ‘wager all’ or ‘bet everything in a single roll.’ The 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army adopted the slang as a motto, and the great deeds they performed during World War II cemented the phrase as a catchphrase for commitment, perseverance, hard work, and integrity. It embodies devoting your all to whatever you are doing and persevering regardless of the odds or obstacles you face.
During World War II, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, the government and citizens alike grew concerned about the Japanese Americans, also known as Nisei, residing in the United States. In less than a month following the attack, all Japanese-American males of draught age were viewed as enemy aliens and subjected to suspicion by everyone. This gave birth to the Nisei’s patriotic efforts as they fought against racial discrimination and demonstrated their dedication, love, and willingness to serve their country.
‘Nisei’ Japanese-Americans were given the opportunity to serve in the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion, the Military Intelligence Service, and the 4442nd Regimental Combat Team after multiple lobbying efforts. In June of 1942, the War Department founded the 100th Infantry Battalion as a means of determining whether soldiers of Japanese descent could be trusted in battle. This unit’s outstanding performance earned it the name Purple Heart Battalion. They eliminated all doubts and concerns of loyalty, resulting in the June 1944 deployment of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
On the battlefield, the 4442nd R.C.T. demonstrated their courage and patriotism by defeating overwhelming odds and securing decisive victories for their country. With over 18,000 decorated soldiers, they became the most decorated regiment in the nation by the end of the war. They were awarded seven Presidential Unit Citations, two Meritorious Service Plaques, thirty-six Army Commendation Medals, eighty-seven Division Commendations, twenty-one Medals of Honor, nearly four thousand Purple Hearts, and more.
HOW TO OBSERVE BREAK THE BANK DAY
Examine the soldiers of the 4442nd RCT.
This is a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team’s patriotism. Consult a website or book to learn about their deployments, struggles, and how they overcame them.
Watch the film “Go for Broke”
No problem if you can’t read up on them or feel fatigued doing so. The film depicting the lives and struggles of these soldiers can be an immersive experience to watch. You get to experience their fears, obstacles, victories, and triumphs on the large screen as if you were there with them.
Celebrate and share them on social media
Join in the celebration of the heroic deeds of these soldiers. Post on social media using the hashtag #GoforBrokeDay and educate anyone who is interested about the Niseis and their contribution to the end of World War II.
5 IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE 442ND R.C.T.
They were an American-Japanese unit
All members of the 442nd RCT were American citizens born to Japanese parents, making them an exceptional military unit.
The army’s most decorated soldier
The unit received a record-breaking seven Presidential Unit Citations in less than two years of combat, which was the most for a unit of its size and length of service.
Purple Hearts Brigade
The unit was dubbed the Purple Hearts Battalion by others due to the more than 4,000 Purple Heart Medals and other awards its personnel received.
Several initiatives
The unit participated in eight significant battles in France, Italy, and Germany and was instrumental in each victory.
The ascension of the Nisei
The unit’s actions and valour inspired the trust afforded to all Japanese Americans as an integral part of the country at the time and to this day in the United States.
WHY GO FOR BROKE DAY IS IMPORTANT
A celebration of the past of our idol
The members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team exemplified heroism in every aspect of the world, making them deserving of recognition. They displayed courage and tenacity both on the battlefield and in the intelligence unit at home, where they helped intercept, decode, and interpret Japanese communications, thereby hastening the end of the war.
A tribute to the sacrifice
This day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the peace we now enjoy. This unit is just one of many that contributed to the end of World War II and the safety of our residences.
The strength of fortitude and valour
This day reminds us of the significance of courage and fortitude in achieving great things in life. It demonstrates that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to if we choose to persevere against all odds and obstacles, going for broke.
GO FOR BROKE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 5 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | April 5 | Friday |
| 2025 | April 5 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 5 | Sunday |
| 2027 | April 5 | Monday |
