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Annual
Salute to Israel a Big Success
The “1939" Club Salute to
Israel Celebration was held on Sunday, June 13, 1999, at The
Beverly Hills Hotel. The celebration marks the culmination of
the Salute to Israel Campaign, The Club's only formal
fund-raising program. Almost $60,000 was raised to support the
Club's various activities.
This Celebration coincided with the fifty-fifth anniversary of
D-Day--the Allied invasion of Europe at Normandy. If it hadn't
been for the sacrifices and bravery of the invading forces, many
of our members--survivors, children of survivors, and
grandchildren alike--would not be able to celebrate Israeli
statehood. It is also unlikely that the state of Israel would
have been created. It was therefor fitting to honor the American
soldiers who risked their lives to free Europe of Nazi tyranny.
One such group of soldiers were the members of the 522nd Field
Artillery comprised of Japanese- Americans. While their families
were confined to "relocation" camps, they were
fighting in the European theater and participated in the
liberation of Dachau. The "1939" Club was privileged
to honor these brave soldiers. A film clip from "Witness:Our
Brothers' Keepers" was shown and Dr. Takeo Susuki and
George Ishihara of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion Club
addressed the audience.
Afterwards
Club members and guests from the Japanese American community
danced the Horah together. Major General William A. Cohen was
the featured speaker.
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