Saturday Salute

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — It’s not often that a movie-goer has to go through security, then say the pledge of allegiance before the opening credits, but it was worth it to share a screening of “Miracle at St. Anna’s” with some World War II veterans this past Saturday.

The monitors that are used to show council meetings in session, while small, gave good sight lines throughout council chambers. The sound was balanced despite the difficult acoustics during fight scenes. It was a change for the chambers, but not altogether foreign. Standing outside chambers for moment, the sound of combat echoing through the halls reminded me of moments during public comment.

Leading the movie charge was the uncle of Councilmember Jan Perry, Buffalo Soldier Sgt. William Perry who spoke briefly before the screening. He noted that the veterans of 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit made of Japanese-Americans who used “Go For Broke” as a motto, were present and accounted for and faced the same difficulties of fighting a war for a country that at the time did not have full freedoms for everyone.

Buses brought residents from Little Tokyo and Angelus Plaza. One of those residents was Arch, previously written up here as a former Downtown jazz man. He was also a former Buffalo Soldier and after the screening was showing a copy of his 1940s discharge papers at the CD9-sponsored reception.

Vets who saw the color photocopy of the yellowed paper instantly recalled the date they were able to come home.

It all made a stronger then usual visit with comrades in arms.

Veterans’ Day is November 11th, and this year falls on a Tuesday. Let me add a one-mouse blog salute to our 3BNer and vet Don Garza; get well.