What is National Go For Broke Day?
On April 5th, National Go For Broke Day encourages us to give it our best. We're on it. Despite all the odds, there is a reason to persist despite all the odds. No matter what our aim, there is a reason to persist.
"Go for broke" has roots in Hawaiin Pidgin, which means "wager everything."
For this day, our best analysis reveals that the United States Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team is the reason for this day. The 442nd RCT was a regimental size fighting unit made up mainly of American soldiers of Japanese descent. They selflessly volunteered to fight in World War II. The 442nd RCT is regarded as the most decorated infantry regiment in the United States Army's history. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team's motto, "Go for Broke," was the 442nd Regimental Combat Team's motto.
The story doesn't end there, though, and the date of April 5th is significant. 1945, Seravazza, Italy, the first Medal of Honor recipient from this regiment died in combat on that day.
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 to fight near Serravezza, Carrara, and Fosdinovo, Italy, until April 14, 1945. They were given the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding combat service as a result of their efforts. During their time in office, the unit will receive seven more Presidential Unit Citations.
