442ndRCT Soldier's Forum

It's on us now!

August 8-9-10th is a Russian front battle, so not for the 442nd. But on the following weekend (August 16-17th) is the Costa Mesa Gunshow. The Russian unit will be there with two tables and the BA-64 armored car. I would suggest we go as we could put up a great display with Jean and all our weapons but...

August 17th is the Nisei Parade in Little Tokyo. I am fully commited to this one and will probably be renting a trailer for the day to take Jean up there. The vets are to old and need rides. I've been asking about the 34th coming and marching along side the vets and am waiting to hear back on that one, but it sounds like a go.

This parade is much shorter than the Huntington Beach one so it won't wear you out. It's really something to see if you haven't seen an asian parade before. Very colorful and Little Tokyo is alot of fun to not to mention the food is pretty great. I think the parade wraps around 2-3 blocks.

Combat uniforms with weapons. Meet at the 442nd Memorial in Downtown LA.

369 East First Street, Los Angeles
5 pm, recommend you show up around noon as traffic will be heavy and rerouted during the parade. There is a large pay parking lot before and behind the museum where the 442nd monument is located. We meet at the monument.

Once you get there and settled in it's a good time to check out Little Tokyo and then return about a couple hours or so before the parade starts to make sure you don't miss us.

If you still want to go to the Costa Mesa Gunshow, I will probably go on Saturday. Come in uniform as you get in free that way. I may be busy renting a trailer that day but will play it by ear as time gets close.

Who wants to do this one sound off!

Mayo wrote:Who wants to do this one sound off!

Which one's ?

Gunshow -

Parade-

The Russian unit will be there with two tables and the BA-64 armored car. I would suggest we go as we could put up a great display with Jean and all our weapons but...

I take it the Russians are going to have their tables "outside"?

Also, Tim . . . you say all our weapons but . . . - what does the but refer to?

But refers to me being committed to the Nisei parade on Sunday. Can't devote time to a display if I'm going to get my jeep up to Los Angeles the next day. I should have time to check out the Gunshow on Saturday, but since the two conflict I have to choose. Gunshow loses.

At least in either events you can carry a firearm in open public without the police jumping you. The only people who own guns here in Japan are the police, defense forces and history museums. YOU EVEN NEED A LICENSE TO OWN A SWORD HERE!!!!

Mayo wrote:Who wants to do this one sound off!

I'm up for either or pending on what ya'll want to do. I'm going to the OstFront all ready...

If we are welcome to attend, I think we should support Tim and march in the parade. I will go (secret: I hate parades. I had to work crowd control at many of them. But, if Tim wants us to go, we should go.)

Mayo wrote:If we are welcome to attend, I think we should support Tim and march in the parade. I will go (secret: I hate parades. I had to work crowd control at many of them. But, if Tim wants us to go, we should go.)

Im certainly not a Nisei and our people's most assuredly have our differences. But I owe something to the Japanese community... Cuz they put up with me being a guest in their country!

Remember, these are not Japanese. They are Americans with a heritage just like you, me and everyone else in this country. It won't be like being in downtown Tokyo, it's Los Angeles. And the guys we are doing this for are American soldier veterans who saw more than their fair share of war for us. The people who attend this parade look at these guys as something really special and look forward to seeing them. Some of them will have visible reminders like a missing arm or signs of age like an oxygen tank or crutches, but they still come.

This isn't like the Huntington Beach parade, we don't do marching in step, more like a patrol and the last couple times we did this we just flanked the vehicles and followed along. We might need 3-4 guys to march and hold the colors but the vets have a lot of pride and if they can physically do so they won't allow us to and will do it themselves. It's getting very doubtful though they can this year. They have a regimental flag like mine but theirs is real.

I hate parades because I hate to march, but I look at it as an honor to do this one. At this parade you are going to see alot of honest to god, down to earth pride. If you remember the Huntington parade and how the public mistook us for the real thing and greeted us? Well these people know we aren't the real thing but they still treat us like that.

If your not asian, wear the 34th patch. The 34th was well respected by the 442nd.

Let's Start a roster. Post up if you are coming, and if you are not coming then don't post up :

Tim
Mayo
Brett

Uniform of the day:

Combat uniform. Wool shirt/trousers, helmet and web gear for those carrying the colors and/or marching. Leggings/low quarters or M43 buckle boots OK. Optional M41 or M43 jacket. Drivers, khakis, wools but Class B.

HBTs may be worn but its not as visually recognizable to the parade audience.

Date: Sunday August 17, 2008
Arrival Time: 12:00
Parade Start Time: 5:00

Meet at the "Go for Broke Monument" (This is 2 mile southeast of Dodger Stadium)
Monument to the Start: 1/4 mile
Parade Route Length: 3/4 mile

I am sounding off, Definitely going to the parade, and possibly the gunshow. I have a ride to and from the parade, but not to or from the gun show. SO...

Parade: Definite
Gun Show: Possibility

Also, will it be ok for me to carry a rifle even though I am not 21? If not, then, LT, may I go as a medic, and use your gear?

BTHodgson wrote:I am sounding off, Definitely going to the parade, and possibly the gunshow. I have a ride to and from the parade, but not to or from the gun show. SO...

Parade: Definite
Gun Show: Possibility

Also, will it be ok for me to carry a rifle even though I am not 21? If not, then, LT, may I go as a medic, and use your gear?

You can carry a rifle.