National Go For Broke Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on the 5th of April and encourages everyone to give it their all in everything that they do. The name of this holiday comes from a gambling phrase that was used in Hawaii, “go for broke,” which essentially means that the gambler is waging everything they have to try for one big win.

This phrase also became the 442nd Regimental Combat Team-an army unit that was comprised of Japanese Americans from Hawaii and the mainland of the United States. This unit was known for its gung-ho attitude and ability to get things done.

The History Of National Go For Broke Day

The 442nd Regimental Combat was the most decorated unit-at least when the units are sorted according to the length of service and size. They would end being awarded 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Services Crosses, A Distinguished Service Medal, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 4,000 Bronze Stars, 486 Purple Hearts, and 560 Silver Stars.

On April 5, 1945, Private First Class Sadao Munemori sacrificed his life for the rest of his unit while they were being pinned down by enemy fire near the Italian town of Seravazza. This unit remained in battler until April 14, 1945, near not only Serravezza but also Fosdinovo and Carrara, Italy. They would receive a Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding achievements in battle. Unfortunately, we don’t currently know when National Go For Broke Day was created.

Observing National Go For Broke Day

Anyone wishing to observe this holiday can do so by learning more about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team at www.gobroke.org, or by using the day as a platform for attempting something that you really want to accomplish.

Sometimes you just have to go all in and take a big chance to reap a big reward. This is the day to do just that. People can also spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #NationalGoForBrokeDay on their social media accounts.