Congressman Mark Takano's address:

In his address at a memorial dedication, Congressman Mark Takano expresses profound gratitude for the service and sacrifice of Native American veterans. He uses the occasion to emphasize themes of national unity, shared sacrifice, and community effort. Key Takeaways: Gratitude for Service and Community: Takano honors Native American veterans and specifically thanks the citizen committee whose private fundraising and hard work—rather than taxpayer dollars—made the memorial a reality. Exceptional Military Contribution: He highlights that Native Americans volunteer for the armed forces at a disproportionately higher rate than the general population, pointing out the invaluable contributions of the World War II Navajo Code Talkers. A Call for Unity: Acknowledging current national divisions, he invokes the motto E pluribus unum ("Out of many, one"). He connects the sacrifices of the "First Americans" to those of newer immigrants and his own Japanese American ancestors in the segregated 442nd Infantry Battalion, noting that they all fought to protect the nation's promise. Honoring the "Go for Broke" Spirit: He concludes by paying deep respect to Native American veterans who gave their all ("went for broke") for the United States, reminding the audience that Americans are neighbors united by a country worth fighting for.

Congressman Mark Takano's address: "Well, a ceremony such as this is, the one thing we must express is gratitude. Ultimately the gratitude to all the veterans who have served our country, but today in particular to our Native American veterans. And that's why we erect this memorial.
There's also gratitude to the committee of citizens, of veterans who toiled and garnered the resources to make sure that this memorial would have its day today. And it was a long time coming. It is not taxpayer dollars that go into a memorial like this. It is the generosity of the community and the people who feel value in memorializing the sacrifices of our Native American veterans.
I'll say just a bit about that sacrifice. We know that individuals from Indian country, men and women, volunteer for our armed forces in greater proportion than that of the regular American population.
I reflect on the contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. Very special contribution. (Applause)
And as divided as we are as a nation today, this is a moment to remind ourselves that E pluribus unum is true. Out of many, we are one. Of the first Americans who have sacrificed and shed blood for our country, to the more recent generations of immigrants who serve in our nation's military, to the many generations who have fought and died for our country.
We remember today that we are neighbors. That we believe in a country that is still full of promise and worth fighting for. As my great uncles who fought in the 442nd Infantry Battalion in a segregated fighting unit in Europe, the motto of that unit was 'Go for broke.' Bet it all. Put it all on the table for what? For our great nation.
And so I pay my honor and respect to the Native Americans who went for broke for our country. And I thank all of you for being here to remember them and to remember all of our veterans.
I'll simply end with God bless all of you, and God bless these United States of America." (Applause)

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