What is National Go For Broke Day?
On April 5th, National Go For Broke Day encourages us to give it our best. Despite all the odds, there's a reason to persist despite all the odds. No matter what our aim, there's a reason to persist.
In Hawaiin Pidgin, the word "go for broke" means "wager everything."
As the reason for this day, our best analysis points to the United States Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team as the reason for this day. The 442nd RCT was a regimental size combat unit made up mainly of American soldiers of Japanese descent. They selflessly volunteered to fight in World War II. The 442nd RCT is considered to be 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 tale doesn't end there, though, and the date of April 5th is significant. 1945, the first Medal of Honor recipient from this regiment died in combat near Seravazza, Italy, on the day.
When the men in his unit were pinched down by enemy fire near Seravazza, Italy, Private First Class Sadao Munemori sacrificed his life for them. The unit continued fighting near Serravezza, Carrara, and Fosdinovo, Italy, until April 14, 1945. They were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding service in combat as a result of their efforts. During their service, the unit will receive seven more Presidential Unit Citations.
