4th of July

I think this is an appropriate image for the day...

I photographed several veterans from the 100th Infantry Battalion a few days ago as the group celebrated their 6th anniversary. The Battalion, activated in 1942, was made up of a majority of second generation Japanese Americans. Its said that many of the members joined the Army in order to prove their loyalty after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Born in America, they faced a racism because of the Pacific War. I wonder if the US could make a battalion made up of second generation Arab/Persian/Muslim Americans?

Would the lawyers, ACLU, and the public allow it?

Shizuya Hayashi was the first individual I photographed of the day. This is the last frame.

Mr Hayashi received the Medal of Honor for actions in Cerasuolo, Italy.

From the official citation:

"Private Shizuya Hayashi distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 November 1943, near Cerasuolo, Italy. During a flank assault on high ground held by the enemy, Private Hayashi rose alone in the face of grenade, rifle, and machine gun fire. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip, he charged and overtook an enemy machine gun position, killing seven men in the nest and two more as they fled. After his platoon advanced 200 yards from this point, an enemy antiaircraft gun opened fire on the men. Private Hayashi returned fire at the hostile position, killing nine of the enemy, taking four prisoners, and forcing the remainder of the force to withdraw from the hill. Private Hayashi’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army."

Thank you.