House reads resolution honoring WWII Nisei units; veterans and families recognized

Representative Curtis Oda presented a lengthy concurrent resolution (HCR5) designating Feb. 18, 2012 as Utah’s Congressional Gold Medal Day for members of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Nisei Military Intelligence Service. He introduced veterans and family members in the gallery and read the resolution’s preamble, which recounts wartime service, honors the units’ decorations, and notes the federal legislation (S.1055) that authorized a collective Congressional Gold Medal.

Oda recounted family history, described the units’ combat record and cited material in the resolution characterizing the units’ contributions, including a floor reading that the work of the Nisei military intelligence service "shortened the war by 2 years," language contained in the resolution text. Several members rose to honor the veterans; Representative Arendt, Representative Christiansen and others offered tributes and personal remembrances of family service. Representative Oda invited members to a luncheon and asked colleagues to support the resolution; the reading was followed by an open vote period on the floor record.

The presentation emphasized commemoration and recognition rather than debate; members repeatedly thanked the veterans and their families for service. The transcript records the reading, introductions and an invitation to the luncheon; the floor record shows the resolution was put to an open vote (voting opened on the floor), but the transcript does not include a completed recorded tally following the reading.

Representative Oda read the resolution in full and noted national steps that culminated in a Congressional Gold Medal being presented in November 2011; he encouraged members to join the Saturday luncheon honoring the veterans.