Happy Thanksgiving from The Georgetowner! November 23, 2011
• November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our online readers! Thank you for helping us to be a greener, more interactive, and more effective news source.

In celebration of the season we have some last-minute turkey tips for you. The most convenient places in Georgetown to pick up your dinner?s centerpiece are: Dean & Deluca, for a gourmet choice; Whole Foods, with several organic selections; and Safeway, which brings you a bargain bird.

**Dean & Deluca** offers up its Heritage Turkey from the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, where breeds that are free-range, vegetarian and antibiotic free are raised. The turkeys are sold frozen at $11 per pound and range from eight to 25 pounds.

**Whole Foods** carries several varieties of turkeys, including organic ($3.99 per pound), kosher ($3.49 per pound), free range ($2.49 per pound), Heirloom ($3.49 per pound) and brined ($2.79 per pound). Size varies.

For store members, **Safeway** is selling eight to 25 pound turkeys at 58 cents per pound with an additional $25 purchase. Go to [WeeklySpecials.Safeway.com](http://www.safeway.com/IFL/Grocery/Weekly-Specials?cmpid=kw_corp_swy_sav_wsp_1101) for more information and for more savings.

And don?t forget to read our latest [Across the Cutting Board](https://georgetowner.com/articles/2011/nov/16/across-cutting-board/) column with Chef Ris Lacoste for inspiration on what to do with all the leftovers!

Herman Cain’s Arrested Development
• November 21, 2011

I’m a 70-year-old white feminist liberal who would never vote for Herman Cain but I cannot silently watch him fall victim to the arrested development of the American public via the defamation of his character by the American news media.

Let’s get a few things straight: I do not endorse Herman Cain. I will not vote for Herman Cain. The thought that Americans would elect Herman Cain as the next U.S. President makes me glad to be 70 and not 17. And my opinion is strictly based on his policies and has nothing to do with the scandal he’s immersed in at the moment.

I am a product of the 60’s, just like a lot of hardcore GOP voters out there. The exception is that I remember what it was like back then. Herman Cain is being attacked for sexual harassment and lying to the public about it, and the media is portraying this as if it is something that Americans should be shocked about. But the only surprise I have towards the scandal is the notion that people over the age of 50—MY GENERATION—should be or would be shocked by the whole ordeal.

Really? Has the Internet made us so accustomed to instant information that we can no longer remember what happened just a few short years ago? At the same time Cain was trying to eat at the chef’s table Clinton was hiding cigars with Monica Lewinsky. While investigating Clinton’s affair, lead Republican of the investigation, Newt Gingrich, was himself having an affair with a staffer over 20 years younger than he was.

I’m not condoning Mr. Cain’s acts. But I’m not shocked by them either. In fact, I’m not even that shocked that most of America is making such a big fuss about it, because the truth is that America could care less! The news and media are the ones responsible for the scandal part of the scandal. Granted, Cain has yet to own up to it—he’s barely acknowledging it. But this is a perfect example of a tool that the politicians have been using for years: PERCEPTION IS REALITY.

When 40 different newscasters and commentators repeat the same information over and over throughout the day, throughout the week, using the same words, that information become implanted in our minds whether we realize it or not. It’s called “perception setting.” Have you ever noticed how certain phrases seem to pop up in every news report when a story drops? These information gateways are experts at crafting, delivering, and reiterating a message and making sure that you get that message and log it in your mind to serve as reference for when you have to develop an opinion or an attitude about the subject at a later date.

So I don’t think Herman Cain is being rightly treated in this matter. We live in a country where men of power use sex and, sometimes, women use sex for power. This behavior is older than mythology itself! In other countries, France for example, this kind of behavior wouldn’t even raise an eyebrow. But in America’s prudent and prurient society we have to once again use this as an opportunity to hold Mr. Cain, a presidential nominee, to a standard that we like to pretend we ourselves live by. Will we ever grow up and start to be honest?

Dr. Dorree Lynn, PhD, is a practicing psychologist and life coach with more than 40 years of experience. She is the founder of the website FiftyAndFurthermore.com, and is AARP’s Media “Sexpert” wit her own segment, “On the Couch” on AARP TV. Dr. Dorree’s latest book is Sex for Grownups: Dr. Dorree Reveals the Truths, Lies, and Must-Tries for Great Sex After 50. Facebook.com/DrDorreeLynn. Twitter.com/DrDorree

Occupy DC Protestors March to the Key Bridge (photos by Jeff Malet)
• November 18, 2011

Trace all the steps from McPherson Square and downtown Washington, through Georgetown to the Key Bridge as hundreds of protestors from the Occupy D.C. movement marched to encourage Congress to boost employment by reinvesting in major infrastructure projects. Police presence was heavy but the demonstration proved peaceful and there were no major problems, other than some minor traffic tie-ups during the November 17 march. The D.C. protestors which included nurses and union workers, were among the thousands who demonstrated nation wide to mark the two-month anniversary of the Occupy movement. View photos of the entire march by clicking on the photo icons below. (Photos by Jeff Malet) [gallery ids="112217,111937,111947,111957,111967,111977,111987,111997,112007,111927,111917,111837,111847,111857,111867,111877,111887,111897,111907,112017,112027,112137,112147,112157,112167,112177,112187,112197,112207,112127,112117,112037,112047,112057,112067,112077,112087,112097,112107,111437,111827,111457,111637,111477,111647,111497,111657,111517,111667,111627,112226,112298,112289,112280,112271,112262,112253,112244,112235,111537,111677,111747,111757,111767,111777,111787,111797,111807,111817,111737,111727,111557,111687,111577,111697,111597,111707,111617,111717,100391" nav="thumbs"]

Our Educational System: Trick or Treat?
• November 16, 2011

Answer my history question and get a treat. Or miss it and get a treat. But learn a little along the way.

As Executive Director of a historic foundation, I was handing out treats in front of a 200-year-old building at a Halloween Fun Fest.

Hundreds of kids dressed like ghosts and Spider-mans and princesses stood in line a block long, holding out their pumpkins or bags saying, “Trick or Treat.” Like Santa Claus, I love talking to kids, so I’d ask, “How old are you?”

If younger than five or six, I’d say, “You’re right!” and give them a handful of treats.

But, at age eight or nine, the “trick” questions became more difficult. Mostly, I asked, “Who was the first President of the United States?” Behind me in the window of our shop was a life sized cut out of President Washington. And there I was, dressed like George Washington.

With my long blue coat, tan pants tucked into knee high black boots, a gold buttoned vest, a jabot – that white lace collar I’ll never wear again – and especially my snow white wig, I was the spitting image of our first president. Well, eight inches shorter and no wooden teeth. But close enough. It was Halloween.

When a child said, “I don’t know,” I’d say, “Oh, come on. Who do I look like?” or, “Who is that guy in the window?”

Some shrugged their shoulders, said “I don’t know,” and began to walk away. I chased them down and gave them some candy anyway.

Some kids said, “Lincoln?”

Lincoln? He was tall, slender, and had dark hair and a beard. I’m short with light grey hair and barely need to shave my blond whiskers daily.

Or “Ben Franklin?” OK, my coat looked a little like Ben’s. But I’m not bald.

Some turned to their parents with an expression begging, “Help me out.” Most parents whispered, “Washington,” but a few shocked me, “Don’t ask me. I don’t know.”

Occasionally when a child was excitedly right, I’d ask, “Who was the second President?” A few guessed “Lincoln?” but not one said “John Adams.”

The funniest answer was a nine-year old boy who proudly announced, “Garfield. I’m studying the Presidents.”

“Garfield was the first?” I asked. He corrected himself, “Oh, Washington.”

My daughter, dressed truly prehistorically as a dinosaur, was helping and estimated that 40% of the kids missed. She’s prone to exaggeration, but not much.
Occasionally, I asked, “Do you read every day?”
Some said they did, but too many said, “No,” looking at me with an expression that said, “Can I still have some candy?” They got their handful.

The answer that shook me out of my boots was a child who said, “I don’t need to. I’m home schooled.” That stumped me – surely that’s not indicative of home schooling – so I gave him a handful of candy and scooted him along.

I don’t know what’s wrong with our educational system, but something is. I wasn’t out to do a social experiment. Maybe the kids were just too excited to think. I expected everyone to indignantly blurt out “George Washington” without hesitating.

The canvas is larger than this Trick or Treat episode. It touches the core of what we are as a nation.

The country is agonizing over the loss of and the lack of jobs. One of the drumbeats out of Washington is that the “market” is the only engine of job growth. Markets are competitive. The US must have a smart economy to grow, and employers want smart employees. Twenty-five years ago, when I worked for a large consulting firm, we couldn’t find enough business students to fill our positions, so we decided to hire the smartest graduates from any field with the idea that we could train smart people to be good consultants.

Our national debate about immigration policy is missing the point. Immigrants are banging on the doors of our universities and most innovative companies. They want to live here and pay taxes, but we make it difficult for them to come here and difficult for companies to hire them. We invite foreign students to study here, provide them with our most valuable resource, and usher them out of the country. We, a country built on the work ethic of immigrants, limit legal immigration of the best and the smartest from other countries, people who start companies and create jobs. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs have begged Congress for more immigrant permits. Congress said, “No,” so Microsoft and Apple built facilities in Asia.

We blame illegal immigrants for our national woes. Somehow, they seem to find work here while American can’t. Or won’t.

The cost of college educations is rising faster than inflation. Federal, state, and local governments are reducing spending on education. Performance is declining. The US education system, once the best in the world, is now far from it.

Something isn’t working.

Maybe knowing the first president or reading every day isn’t that important.

Call me old fashioned. I think it is.

Trick or Treat? These tricks are really bad.

In God We Trust…ROLL TIDE!
•

In a political pissing contest with President Obama, who recently mistakenly referred to “E Pluribus Unum” as the slogan for America (changed to “In God We Trust” in 1956), the Republican-led House of Representatives voted 396-9 to reaffirm “In God We Trust” as the nation’s motto.

This waste of time and resources to prove a point, combined with recent and ongoing misbehavior throughout the government, has led me to justify a hopeless goal full of hopeful desires for America. If the national motto is up for debate, then I propose changing it to the rally chant from the University of Alabama: ROLL TIDE!

If you want to learn about the true Christian values we claim this country was built upon, then you have to go to a place where time passes slower and change in culture lags 10 to 20 years behind the rest of society. Travel deep enough into the farmland and you will find dial up Internet and, believe it or not, original Christian values: treat others as you want to be treated and let the Lord work.

When you look at the message behind the ROLL TIDE chant you get a better understanding of what it used to mean to be an American. Fight for what is right, never give up, never surrender, take pride in yourself, take pride in those who stand among you, and give the respect you expect from others…ROLL TIDE!

At least once in your life, spend a day at a BAMA game. In the parking lot you will find diehard fans in high-end and low-end motor home game-mobiles. You will see hairspray loving women holding those plastic-but-looks-like-porcelain plates sitting in a camouflaged folding chair in front of a red tent with a plastic chandelier hanging from the apex. Inevitably she’ll be yelling at her underage daughter, “Hay! Why are you drankin’ out of that Styrofoam cup? Put it in plastic and stop actin’ like you ain’t got no class!”

Extreme analogy, yes. But the fact of the matter is that ROLL TIDE isn’t about the win or the loss, or even the game of football itself. ROLL TIDE is about recognizing that we are all members of the same community, and that we ultimately all want the best for one another. ROLL TIDE means pushing yourself to exceed what you’re capable of because it is possible and not settling for anything less simply because you can get away with it.

I am not a fan of football, or Alabama for that matter, but I have spent enough time in the southern farmland and river swamps to know how to survive off of the land, and enough time in the city to know that there are differences in cultures and communities throughout the world.

I will own my bias. I was raised in the south and brought up with “core southern values.” But I have also traveled the country enough to know that the same rules that apply in Alabama do not apply in New York. Some laws in Nebraska are pointless in Florida. There are times when we are fifty states and there are times when we are one country, but that does not mean that we have to be a huge collective of societies and communities that all believe and support the same ideas and theologies. That itself would be a little anti-American!

Being isolated as a country has further hindered our ability to develop into a better civilization. Geographically speaking, America is like Europe, except instead of independent countries, America is composed of interlaced states. However, while European countries like Germany, Italy, France and England competed to be better than one another, our American states began as equals. We Americans never had to compete against one another to improve our cultural philosophies or further technology and standards of living.

I am not suggesting that the United States should dissolve its union or start trying to be like Europe. Instead, I am proposing that we Americans start living up to our own potential. I propose we pledge to live our own teachings, to hold ourselves accountable for our actions equal to that of our neighbors. We should strive to take pride in all that we do, speak with conviction and stand up for what is right for all people regardless of their station in life.

We are at a cultural crossroads where the differences between what Christians claim the Bible says is right and wrong and what modern society claims is acceptable or unjustifiable intersect. It is unfortunate that neither side seems willing to work towards an agreement that would allow both sides to live harmoniously together, but more so that neither side seems to remember that we are all on the same team to begin with.

Our fights as Americans, between the left and right, Christians and Gays, blacks and whites and Hispanics….these fights we have with one another are pointless. We are all AMERICANS! We are on the same team. And we need to be capable and willing to stand toe-to-toe and shoulder-to-shoulder with one another as countrymen in whatever fight or battle we find ourselves in order to make our country—our collective—a better place for all Americans. ROLL TIDE!

Bring Back Our Bus Route
•

On Nov. 9, the ANC2E Commissioners released a joint motion to reinstate two Circulator bus stops in Georgetown: the M St., NW stop between Wisconsin Ave. and 31st St., and the P St. stop on Wisconsin Ave., both northbound and southbound. District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has recently cut these stops to save time on its Circulator routes. To those of us in Georgetown, cutting a thirty-second bus stop does not amount to much time saved, and of greater concern is the tremendous benefits these stop afford local businesses and community members. The stop helps to draw shoppers to the area and encourages the use of public transportation in Georgetowners.

The P St. bus stop was a popular one for business along Wisconsin. As locals know and visitors quickly discover, the walk up and down Wisconsin can be a deterring one. Meanwhile, the P St. intersection is an oasis of small and local businesses, including The Phoenix clothing, The Lantern Bryn Mawr Bookstore, Marvelous Market, Thomas Sweet, Café Bonaparte and Wedding Creations & Anthony’s Tuxedo. A petition was signed at the beginning of the month by 30 small and local business owners around the area to reinstate the bus stops, as a noted decline in business has been noticed since their removals. It also poses an inconvenience to nearby residents that use public transportation, who have lost convenient access to the Circulator.

According to Ed Solomon, owner of Anthony’s Tuxedo’s, local residents have voiced their concerns to business owners in the area, and a few even spoke out in support of reinstating the bus stops at the Nov. 1 ANC meeting two weeks ago.

The M St. stop between Wisconsin Ave. and 31st St. is simply too much of a focal point to cut. It is the nucleus of Georgetown’s M Street territory and retail district, and its removal is confusing pedestrian traffic that much more by overcrowding the streets at the stops nearest by.

What DDOT and city officials really ought to focus on is evaluating alternate methods to expedite traffic in this area of town. We live in one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the country, and it houses the city’s most vibrant retail district. On an average day, it takes easily over 30 minutes to navigate the stretch of road between K St. and M St. Buses are a part of this congestion, but in an urban environment they are all but mundane inevitabilities, and decreasing the number of stops on a route by one cannot possibly have any significant impact on the efficiency of the bus route or the easing of surrounding traffic. Whether bus lanes at certain times of day should be in discussion, or alternate HOV restrictions applied to promote the use of public transportation, we are not here to say. What we are here to say is that the current solution is not the answer.

We greatly appreciate DDOT’s efforts in Georgetown, specifically their opening access to the harbor and movie theater on K St., and we hope they will reinstate these stops. At a previous ANC2E meeting this year, DDOT representatives said they would seriously consider input from the community since they changed the bus routes. If they want to address community concerns, now is their chance.

Jack Evans ReportNovember 16, 2011
•

I wanted to provide an update on the iGaming proposal that is currently under consideration by the Council and the District?s Lottery Board. The Lottery Modernization Amendment Act of 2010, which was a part of the ?Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Budget Support Act of 2010,? authorizes the DC Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board to offer ?games of skill? and ?games of chance? via the Internet. Specifically, the proposal is to offer Internet games such as Texas Hold ?em Poker on computers in yet to be determined locations within the District.

In response to concerns from community members last spring, I asked the Lottery to schedule a number of community meetings to receive input on iGaming before moving forward with enabling these games in any neighborhoods. I subsequently requested that the Lottery move to further accommodate community members by postponing meetings originally scheduled for August to more convenient times in October and November, and am pleased that they have done so. My hope was that this change in schedule would allow more residents to return from out of town summer trips and be engaged in the community meeting process.

At this point, the Lottery has held at least 5 community meetings throughout the city ? meetings have been held in Wards 1, 4, 5, and 7, as well as an additional meeting held for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. Staff members from my office have attended all these meetings to record community feedback, and I am also expecting a more formal report from the Lottery on these meetings to be given to my Committee.

Upcoming meetings are scheduled in Wards 3, 6, and 8, and most importantly, Ward 2. Our meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15 at the MLK Memorial Library (901 G Street NW). If you have thoughts on iGaming, please come to the meeting to share your views in person, or you may share thoughts or questions by emailing igamingdc@dc.gov. For more information, you can contact my office or visit the Lottery?s iGaming website at http://goo.gl/xe8hh.

Also, the Inspector General is conducting an investigation into the lottery and should have his findings available soon. After the conclusion of these community meetings, I intend to schedule a hearing to review the community input received and the Inspector General?s findings. I am reserving judgment at this point until all community feedback has been collected, so I look forward to hearing from you.

Business Ins & OutsNovember 16, 2011
•

IN: Oui: Paul Bakery and Caf? to Open Officially Nov. 21

Say “bonjour” to the new bakery-caf? near the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, as it may already be serving its famous breads, sandwiches, salads, sweets and tarts. Paul, the 120 year-old upscale authentic French bakery-caf?, boasts 500 stores in 25 countries — from Japan to Qatar and now in Georgetown. Its downtown D.C. shop opened in May.

While the eatery touts its tradition and history, the U.S. side of the firm is led by Philippe Sanchez, president and CEO of PAUL USA, Inc. Sanchez is a 20-year global marketing veteran of three of the world’s most recognizable brands, Starbucks, Nike and Disney, and is known as a visionary in digital imaging. He was also marketing VP for Getty Images. Prepare for a Napoleonic campaign of bakery victories across America.

“We?re very excited about the new location in a beautiful historic brick building that once was the kitchen to the historic City Tavern,” Sanchez said. “Built in 1889, our new Georgetown location shares the same birthday as Paul, which was founded in 1889 in Lille, France. We?ve customized the space by adding a large and glorious window to the top floor, which will serve as the dining area, accommodating 30-40 patrons in a cozy and beautiful Parisian caf? ambiance.”

Paul Georgetown Bakery and Caf?, 1078 Wisconsin Ave., N.W, (Located at the southwest corner of Wisconsin and M, between the Banana Republic and the entrance to the Georgetown Park parking garage.)

Tel: 202-524-4630 / 4631 / 4632 — Email: paulb03@paul-usa.com

OUT: Georgetown Inn and Hotel Monticello sold

The Georgetown Inn has sold for $34.6 million to a group of investors including former Best Western International Inc. chairman Nayan Patel, according to the Washington Business Journal. Georgetown Washington DC Inn LLC is planning a major renovation of the 1310 Wisconsin Avenue property, which traded for about $360,400 per room, Patel told the business newspaper. ?We?re really excited about this property, we think it has great potential, and I would like to take the property to the next level,? he said.

The newspaper also reported that Savills Hotel Group announced the sale of the Hotel Monticello at 1075 Thomas Jefferson St., NW, for an undisclosed price to Monticello Hotel Owners LLC. with plans for ?major renovations.?

The new owners of the Georgetown Inn do not plan to change the hotel’s name, as Patel told the Business Journal, “because of the worldwide recognition associated with Georgetown. D.C. continues to be a strong hotel market, nationally and internationally, and really Georgetown within that market is very hard to beat.?

IN: Cafe Tu-O-Tu Adds Second Georgetown Spot

Already at the eastern edge of town near the Four Seasons at 2816 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Cafe Tu-O-Tu, a eatery specializing in Mediterranean salads and sandwiches, is setting up shop on the west side on the 3400 block of M Street, next to Pie Sisters. (Its name derives from D.C.’s area code, didn’t you know?)

IN: Edible Arrangements Coming to Wisconsin Ave.

Edible Arrangements — creators and deliverers of fruit and chocolate gift baskets — will occupy the former 7-Eleven spot at 1600 Wisconsin Avenue and Q Street.

OUT: Safeway Closes its Gates

The Safeway in the Watergate office building will close Dec. 3, according to the Washington Business Journal. Safeway is focusing on closing its older stores and updating newer, larger locations.

Street, Metro Closures to Affect D.C. Residents This Weekend
• November 10, 2011

Georgetown will see massive street closures and parking restrictions this weekend through Halloween. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, these restrictions are subject to change. On Sunday, the Marine Corp. Marathon will wind its way through Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. From 7:30 until about 10:45 a.m., the following roads will be closed:

GWMP from Spout Run to Key Bridge off ramp (one northbound lane will remain open)

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Canal Road NW from M Street NW to Reservoir Road NW

Reservoir Road NW from MacArthur Blvd. NW to Canal Road NW

MacArthur Blvd. NW from Foxhall Road NW to Reservoir Road NW

Foxhall Road NW from Canal Road NW to MacArthur Boulevard N

M Street NW from Canal Road NW to Wisconsin Avenue N

Wisconsin Avenue from M Street NW to K Street NW

K Street NW from Wisconsin Avenue NW to Rock Creek

On Halloween, parking restrictions will be in effect from 4 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The following roads will be affected:

K St, NW from 30th Street to Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Water Street, NW from 33rd Street to the Mouth of the Capital Crescent Trail

1000 – 1300 Blocks of Wisconsin Ave. NW

M Street NW, from 25th Street to the Key Bridge

1100 block of 26th Street NW

Thomas Jefferson St.– 1000 block (From the canal north to M Street)

Restrictions will be posted at least 72 hours in advance.

Beginning on Halloween at 6:30 p.m. and lasting until 4 a.m., the following streets will be closed to through traffic:

1000 block of Grace Street NW

1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street NW

1000-1500 blocks of 29th Street NW

1000 -1500 blocks of 30th Street NW

1200-1300 blocks of Potomac Street NW

1200-1500 blocks of 27th Street NW

1200-1500 blocks of 28th Street NW

1200-1600 blocks of 33rd Street NW

1200-1700 blocks of 34th Street NW

1500 32nd Street NW

1600-1700 blocks of 35th Street NW

2600-3100 blocks of Dumbarton Street NW

2600-3100 blocks of P Street NW

2600-3600 blocks of O Street NW

2700-3600 blocks of N Street NW

2700 block of Poplar Lane NW

2700-2900 blocks of Olive Street NW

• 3100 Block of Blues Alley

• 3100 Block of Oak Alley NW

• 3100 Block of South Street NW

• 3200-3400 Q Street NW

• 3200 Block of Cecil Place NW

• 3200-3600 blocks of Prospect Street NW

• 3300-3400 blocks of Dent Place NW

• 3300 blocks of Cady’s Alley NW

• 900 Block30th Street NW

From 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Halloween, metal barricades will be erected along the sidewalks of 3100-3200 blocks of M Street, NW and 1000-1200 blocks of Wisconsin Avenue, NW.
The Metro has also scheduled major track work for the rail system this weekend. The Red Line will be reduced to a single track from Union Station to DuPont Circle. On the Green Line, the Metro will shut down the Waterfront, Navy Yard, Anacostia and Congressional Heights stations. The Orange Line will share one track between New Carrollton and Cheverly.

If you wish to brave the chaos, there will be several events to occupy your time. In addition to the Marathon, the Washington International Horse Show will run through Sunday at the Verizon Center. In Georgetown, L2 Lounge will celebrate the holiday with its L2 Air Halloween Party on Saturday at 9 p.m., and Tudor Place will host its Historic Halloween Spooktacular Trick or Treat on Monday. For more information on events and the best ways to avoid the crowds, go to the Georgetown BID website, GeorgetownDC.com.

Greatest Generation Japanese American WWII Veterans Receive Congressional Gold Medal
• November 7, 2011

The U.S. Congress held a ceremony on Capitol Hill on November 2, 2011 to award the Congressional Gold Medal, its highest civilian honor, to more than 1,000 Japanese-American veterans, now in their 80s and 90s, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. Japanese-American contributions to the war are even more remarkable since their families were rounded up and confined by their own government. Many Japanese-Americans who fought in World War 2 were “Nisei”, Japanese Americans born in the U.S. Many of them and their families were placed in internment camps after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and they were also exempt from the draft. Nonetheless, about 19,000 Japanese-American soldiers volunteered for service.
The award was presented collectively to the Army’s three Japanese-American units that fought in the Mediterranean and European theatres – the 100th Infantry Battalion, nicknamed the Purple Heart Battalion, the “Go for Broke” 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).

Fighting their way through Italy, southern France and Germany, and finally sent to the Pacific Theater to serve as part of the occupation force in Japan, members of the 442nd made the unit the most highly decorated regiment in Army history. All told, the 13,000 soldiers serving in the regiment, received 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars and 9,486 Purple Hearts. One of those distinguished Medal of Honor winners, Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) took part in the ceremony.

The 100th Battalion was absorbed by the 442nd , but initially was a separate unit. It was composed of men from Hawaii who were part of the National Guard.
There were 3,000 Army trained linguists that served in the Asia-Pacific theater part of the MIS. These men had a numerous duties which included translating enemy documents, interrogating prisoners of war, and persuading enemies forces to surrender. Because of the nature of their work, MIS achievements have been classified and are just now coming to light.

In 2010 Congress approved a special gold medal for the unit. President Obama signed the bill into law authorizing the award a year ago. A replica of the gold medal is given out to veterans, family members of deceased veterans, next of kin of soldiers killed in action and family members of veterans who took part in the ceremony.

View our photos from the ceremony by clicking on the photo icons below. (All photos by Jeff Malet)

View additional photos by clicking here.

[gallery ids="110352,110292,110287,110282,110277,110272,110267,110262,110257,110252,110297,110302,110347,110342,110337,110332,110327,110322,110317,110312,110307,110247,110242,110237,110177,110356,110172,110360,110167,110364,110162,110368,110157,110182,110187,110232,110227,110222,110217,110212,110207,110202,110197,110192,100365" nav="thumbs"]