NVMC
OKAGE SAMA DE BECAUSE OF YOU I AM...
FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER
Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., the commander of the U.S. Pacific Command at Pearl Harbor, will be the keynote speaker at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center’s 13th Annual Banquet on Nov. 4, 2016, at the King Kamehameha Golf Course Clubhouse.
NVMC Banquet Keynote Speaker Admiral Harry Harris Jr. Adm. Harris is the first Asian-American to achieve the rank of admiral in the U.S. Navy. He is responsible for all military operations in the region, from California to the Indian Ocean and from the Arctic Sea to Antarctica.
When he whined to her about looking more Japanese than American, she responded in a way he will never forget. “She went to a PTA meeting dressed in the only thing she brought from Japan—a full kimono, geta, obi—the whole thing.
Adm. Harris was born in Yokosuka, Japan, in 1956. His father was a U.S. Navy chief petty officer stationed in Korea and in Yokosuka. His mother was Japanese and worked at the Yokosuka Naval Base. At age 2, the family moved to a small farm in Tennessee.
She taught me to be proud of my ethnic heritage.” Adm. Harris said he learned giri (duty or obligation) from his mom. His decorations include two Distinguished Service Cross Medals, three Defense Superior Service medals, three Legion of
It wasn’t easy sailing for Harris growing up in the south. Harris
Merit Medals and two Bronze Stars.
recalls feeling different from his southern classmates—especially
“I’m an American, first, foremost and always, but there will
when it came to eating his bento lunch prepared by his mother.
always be things my mother represented for which I am proud.”
13th Annual NVMC Dinner Coming Up in November The 13th Annual Nisei Veterans Memorial Center dinner is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at the King Kamehameha Golf Course Clubhouse. The event will feature new recognition awards called the “Hero Awards.”
• KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Admiral Harry
•
•
TICKETS: $125 per person; $50 per
B. Harris Jr., USN commander, U.S.
person for Nisei veterans, wives and
Pacific Command.
widows. Corporate tables are available
TIME: Doors open at 5 p.m. and the
for $1,750.
program begins at 6 p.m.
Nisei veterans’ special prices are partially sponsored by corporate donors.
President’s Message Brian T. Moto
OKAGE SAMA DE The Okage Sama De newsletter is a free publication issued by the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center. Articles, questions and comments may be sent to Nisei Veterans Memorial Center, P.O. Box 216, Kahului, HI 96733-6716.
To all who receive our newsletter, “Okage Sama De,” thank you for your support and goodwill. We can never say thank you enough for your generosity and the help you have provided and continue to provide to the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center. Special thanks and recognition go to: Kyle Watanabe, who recently retired from his position as NVMC historical
We encourage family and friends to submit information and photos to our “Lest We Forget” column.
preservation and education program coordinator;
THE NVMC MISSION
Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans, for their consistent support
The NVMC ignites human potential by inspiring people to find the hero in themselves through the legacy of the Nisei veterans.
and for coordinating the Joint Memorial Service held annually to honor those
THE NVMC VISION
of displays honoring the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).
We envision a community where all people act selflessly for the greater good.
To all of you, I also extend an invitation to join us at our fundraiser on Friday,
THE NVMC VALUES Being selfless for the greater good. Leading by example. Living in gratitude. Inspiring courage in adversity. Doing the right thing, always.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Deidre Tegarden
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian T. Moto, President Scott Sakakihara, Vice President Beryl Bal, Secretary Paul Mizoguchi, Treasurer
DIRECTORS David Fukuda Glenn Goya Hideo Kawahara Nelson Okumura Saedene Ota Yuki Lei Sugimura Hiroshi Arisumi, President Emeritus Leonard Oka, Director Emeritus Melanie Agrabante, Office Manager
NISEI VETERANS MEMORIAL CENTER 1 Go For Broke Place, Wailuku Wailuku Hours: Noon to 4 P.M. Weekdays (808) 244-NVMC (6862) www.nvmc.org
Barbara Watanabe, consultant, for her assistance on a number of important NVMC governance, policy and education program initiatives;
killed in action and other Nisei veterans who have passed away; and Volunteers and docents who work on NVMC exhibits, including the current set
Nov. 4, 2016, at the King Kamehameha Golf Course Clubhouse, featuring guest speaker Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., commander, United States Pacific Command, and a program honoring heroes within our community. Your presence would mean a great deal to us.
America’s Secret Weapon: Japanese-American Military Intelligence Servicemen The “America’s Secret Weapon” exhibit is coming to the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center’s Education Center in September 2016. This exhibit is a tribute to the sacrifices
prior to actual engagement.” The Nisei who served in the MIS were America’s secret weapon in the war against Japan. Major Gen. Charles
made by over 6,000 second-generation
Willoughby, G-2 chief in the Pacific,
Japanese-Americans (Nisei) who served
credited the Nisei MIS with saving a
in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS)
million lives.
against the Japanese military in the Pacific during WWII. Through this exhibit, these MIS Nisei
Col. Sidney Forrester Mashbir, commandant, Allied Translator and Interpreter Section, said, “The United
veterans will have the opportunity to
States of America owes a debt to these
receive long-overdue recognition.
men and to their families which it can
This select group of soldier-linguists used their understanding of the
never fully repay.” “America’s Secret Weapon” exhibit
Japanese language and culture to
was created by MIS Veterans Club of
translate captured documents, monitor
Hawai‘i members Mark Matsunaga,
enemy radio transmissions, interrogate
Gregg Hirata and Harlan Yuhara, who
prisoners of war, and flush out caves and
have graciously allowed the NVMC to
frontline firefights.
share their work.
The secret nature of their work,
Their original exhibit is currently on
classified for decades after the war, has
display at the U.S. Army Museum at Ft.
kept them out of history’s spotlight. As
DeRussy in Waikı¯kı¯ until December 2016.
a result, many of their heroic deeds have gone unrecognized. According to U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, “Never in military history did
2
an Army know so much about the enemy
“America’s Secret Weapon” will be on display at the Education Center until Jan. 31, 2017, Monday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Maui AJA Veterans and Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans Present Scholarships Maui AJA Veterans Inc. and Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans awarded 10 $1,000 scholarships to graduates of Valley Isle high schools. Scholarships are awarded annually, based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, essays and financial need. A major source of scholarship funding is the annual Chrysanthemum Festival.
(From left) Alyssa Yoshimura, Arissa Molina, Jan Erwin Bio, Thomas Takeo Macadangdang Hayashi, Hiroshi Arisumi (board of directors, Maui AJA Veterans Inc., and president emeritus of the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center), Sage Kamaka, Brian Cox (stepfather of recipient Mikino Kumagai, who was unable to attend the luncheon), Devynn Leigh Kochi and Kylie Taketa. Also unable to attend were scholarship recipients Joseph Baldwin and Jared Josh S. Matias. PHOTO: MELANIE AGRABANTE The event was created in 1953 by the Maui AJA Veterans, and is now presented by Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans. The two organizations held a luncheon to recognize the scholars and present the awards June 4 at the Stanley Izumigawa Pavilion atop the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center’s Education Center. The recipients are listed here, with their high school, parents, town of residence and their plans for college, as stated on their scholarship applications: •
Joseph Baldwin, Kı¯hei Charter School, son of Joseph and Jamie Baldwin, Kı¯hei, Harvard University.
•
Jan Erwin Bio, Maui High School, son of Oswaldo and Norma Bio, Kahului, University of Hawai‘i at Ma ¯ noa.
•
Thomas Takeo Macadangdang Hayashi, Seabury Hall, son of Duane T. and Agnes M. Hayashi, Makawao, Santa Clara University.
•
Sage Kamaka, Kamehameha Schools Maui, son of Bert and Jamie Kamaka, Wailuku, University of Hawai‘i Maui College.
•
Devynn Leigh Kochi, King Kekaulike High School, daughter of Cindy Asato-Kochi and Kevin Kochi, Ha‘iku ¯, University of Hawai‘i at Ma ¯ noa.
•
Mikino Kumagai, Lahainaluna High School, daughter of Satomi K. and Brian Cox, Lahaina, Beloit College.
•
Jared Josh S. Matias, Lahainaluna High School, son of Alex and Melinda Matias, Lahaina, University of Hawai‘i Maui College.
•
Arissa Molina, Henry Perrine Baldwin High School, daughter of Jana Yamashiro and Ariston Domingo, Kahului, University of Hawai‘i Maui College.
•
Kylie Taketa, Henry Perrine Baldwin High School, daughter of Russell and Jacqueline Taketa, Kahului, University of Nevada, Reno.
•
Alyssa Yoshimura, Maui High School, daughter of Michele Yoshimura, Wailuku, University of Portland. Three of the 2016 recipients have ties to the Chrysanthemum Festival: Kochi was queen of 2014 festival, Molina was a princess on
that court and Hayashi was the escort of Jaelyn Domingo, the reigning queen.
NVMC Announces Inaugural Hero Awards We are looking forward to announcing our three inaugural Nisei Veterans Memorial Center (NVMC) Hero Awards recipients at the annual Nisei Veterans fundraiser on Nov. 4, 2016.
With our fresh look, streamlined mission
The applications were open for
statement and new energy, we look
nominations for these two awards during
forward to honoring Maui community
August and September 2016.
members who celebrate Nisei veterans and the heroism they exemplify. The Courage and Leadership Hero
The third award is an honorary Philanthropy Hero Award. The nominees were chosen by a committee and passed
Awards celebrate Nisei veterans and aim
on to an awards review committee for
to honor men and women in the Maui
final selection.
community who reflect the bravery and values of the Nisei.
For more information about the event or the NVMC Hero Awards, go to nvmc.org.
3
Chrysanthemum Festival’s Kokeshi Dolls Receive ‘Makeovers’ This spring, eight of the Chrysanthemum Festival’s traditional Kokeshi dolls received new dresses and makeup from Fran Takumi of Kahului. Fran Takumi designed, sewed and dressed each of the dolls using fabric donated by Barbara Huntley, owner of Sew Special in the Ka‘ahumanu Shopping Center. The Kokeshi Dolls have been a fixture at the Americans of
Fran Takumi helped to provide new dresses and makeup for the Chrysanthemum Festival’s Kokeshi dolls.
Japanese Ancestry’s (AJA) Chrysanthemum Ball and Maui’s Sons & Daughters of Nisei Veterans Festival and were in dire need of
MS&D President Leonard Oka expressed his thanks to both
new gowns. Adorned in decades-old fabric, the dolls showed
women for their generosity and for giving the dolls a “new life.”
signs of extreme wear.
The dolls will be proudly displaying their new look at this year’s
Each of the eight-foot-tall dolls required a considerable amount
upcoming Chrysanthemum Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3.
of fabric.
History of the Maui Americans of Japanese Ancestry Inc. Maui AJA Veterans Inc. was formed in 1947 as soldiers returned from military service during World War II.
The sons’ and daughters’ historical
the coronation portion of the program; the
preservation efforts include the collection
performance is a tradition of the event.
of memorabilia, documents, photographs,
Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei
etc., and an oral history project, all of
AJA stands for Americans of Japanese
Veterans and Maui AJA Veterans Inc. are
which are housed in the Nisei Veterans
Ancestry. Nisei refers to the second
nonprofit entities, as is the Nisei Veterans
Memorial Center.
Memorial Center, which is on Go For Broke
Other programs include sponsorship
Place at the intersection of Kahului Beach
generation of Japanese-Americans; most of the veterans are Niseis.
of many of the exhibits held at the
Road and Waiehu Beach Road.
The veterans wanted to continue their
NVMC, support for and participation
camaraderie, serve their community and
The center is a living memorial to the
in the national Go For Broke National
honor fallen comrades of the 100th Infantry
AJAs who served in World War II.
Education Center’s oral/video history
Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team
projects, and organizing events such as
and Military Intelligence Service.
the annual 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd
Over the years, the veterans group contributed
Regimental Combat Team joint
in numerous ways to the community, including
memorial service.
through Pony League baseball (the field at
From 1953 through 2006, the festival
Kahului School was renamed the “Maui AJA
was known as the Chrysanthemum Ball,
Veteran’s Pony League Ballpark” in the mid-
reflecting the prominence of ballroom
1990s) and age-group swimming meets.
dancing at past events. In 2007, it was
With the core group of veterans becoming
changed to make it more of a Japanese
older and less able to present events such
cultural event, which is reflected in
as the Chrysanthemum Festival, Maui AJA
entertainment, demonstrations, exhibits
Veterans Inc. turned over the event to Maui’s
and other activities.
Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans, so
However, the festival still includes the
the younger group could use proceeds for its
ballroom dancing element. The court
historical preservation work and to support
members and their escorts perform during
the scholarship program.
4
Its first phase opened in summer 2006, housing an intergenerational center that includes the Kansha Preschool and the Maui Adult Day Care Centers Ocean View Facility. The final phase—the Education Center— opened in April 2013. It includes archives and facilities to allow educational and research activities.
Maui Delegation Attends Grand Opening Ceremony of New Go For Broke National Education Center Over the Memorial Day weekend in May 2016, NVMC President Emeritus Hiroshi Arisumi; his son-in-law, Ray Yamamoto; and NVMC President Brian Moto attended ceremonies for the grand opening of the Go For Broke National Education Center in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.
They also spoke with Gary Yamauchi,
The center, located in the historic Nishi
Contemporary Art.
Hongwanji building, debuted its new
As a World War II veteran, Hiroshi was
exhibition, “Defining Courage,� which
seated with other veterans and helped
examines the bravery of soldiers and
lead the procession of dignitaries to the
civilians, and men and women during World
ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new
War II, and how people might act with similar
education center.
gallantry today.
council member and past mayor of Alhambra, California, and Mark Yokoyama, Alhambra city manager. On Saturday, May 28, the formal ceremonies began with an Anniversary Tribute at the Go For Broke Monument, located near the Museum of
After the ribbon-cutting, a local Muslim
Hiroshi Arisumi is escorted by an ROTC cadet to the VIP section for the grand opening celebration in front of the historic Nishi Hongwanji building, the new home of the Go For Broke National Education Center. PHOTO: PEGGY MIZUMOTO
The celebrations began with a Friday evening
cleric sang a prayer, and speakers
During the day-long public celebration,
reception at which the Maui delegation
recalled the hardships of the past, when
attendees were treated to music, food,
chatted with Go For Broke Board Chair Bill
Japanese-Americans were required to
beverages and tours of the Japanese
Seki, Past President Don Nose, President &
board buses for the internment camps
American National Museum next door.
CEO Vince Beresford, and other directors
from the very steps of Nishi Hongwanji.
and volunteers.
The Tateuchi Democracy Forum, another
They also spoke of the challenges of
neighbor, hosted a series of documentaries
The Maui delegation also had the great
the present, including the repetition of
with question-and-answer sessions with
pleasure of speaking with Norman
calls for the expulsion or exclusion of
directors and producers.
Mineta, who served as U.S. Secretary of
people from America based on religion
Transportation, Secretary of Commerce,
or race.
Representative and mayor of San Jose.
The Maui delegation also attended the showing of Unknown Warriors of World War II by producer David Ono; a preview of a film on the pop artist Roger Shimomura; and A Flicker in Eternity, a film based on the World War II diary, letters and cartoons of Stanley Hayami, a 442nd Regimental Combat Team soldier killed in action. Following the formal events, the Maui delegation enjoyed the gracious company of Go For Broke volunteers and families, including Carrie Morita, sisters June Hibino and Shirley Hibino, and Miya Iwataki and her father, Kuwa Iwataki, of the 100th Battalion, Company C.
CONTINUE ON PAGE 6 (From left) NVMC President Brian Moto; Raymond Yamamoto; Norman Mineta, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, congressman and mayor of San Jose; and Hiroshi Arisumi, recipient of Presidential Medal of Freedom. PHOTO: PEGGY MIZUMOTO
5
Maui Delegation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
Hiroshi Arisumi (center); David Ono (left), KABC-TV Channel 7 News co-anchor and emcee for the Go For Broke ceremony; and Jeff MacIntyre (right), co-producer (with Ono) of the documentary Unknown Warriors of WWII. The photo was taken by NVMC President Brian Moto in Suehiro Cafe in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, following opening of the Defining Courage exhibit at the Go For Broke National Education Center.
Celebrating 10 Years of Caring for Kūpuna and Keiki Together
BY KATHLEEN COUCH PROGRAM COORDINATOR, MAUI ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS
Maui Adult Day Care Centers is
moderate level. Varied activities are
celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
planned that spark well-being and instill a
The facility opened its doors at the Nisei
sense of purpose and pride. Ocean View
Veterans Memorial Center (NVMC) site
provides opportunities to accomplish
on Lower Main in July 2006. Through a
tasks, enabling clients to feel capable.
partnership with the NVMC, the Ocean
Activities enjoyed at the Ocean View
View Center came to fruition—a dream
Center are arts and crafts, excursions,
inspired by the Nisei veterans’ desire to
entertainment, large and small motor
Together with these new friends, Hiroshi,
nurture and care for our ku ¯ puna.
activity, music and dancing, karaoke,
Ray and Brian enjoyed the sights, sounds
The unique flavor of this facility is the
iPad activities, holiday celebrations,
and delicious tastes of Little Tokyo, its
intergenerational aspect with the Kansha
interactions with youth from the
shops, restaurants and community life.
Preschool, which bridges the gap between
community and meaningful socializing—
With the help of June and John Mori
the generations of our keiki and ku ¯ puna
enjoying friendships.
(formerly with the band Hiroshima) and
for meaningful moments together.
As we celebrate the last 10 years, we are
his wife, Wendy, Brian attended a sold-
It instills in our keiki love, respect and
blessed and privileged to continue this
out performance of Chicano music at LA’s
trust for ku ¯ puna. For our ku ¯ puna, it
dream with the Nisei veterans, to provide
Aratani Theatre, operated by the Japanese
rekindles the feelings of grand-parenting
the best care we can for our treasured
American Cultural & Community Center.
and being proactive in nurturing the
resources—our ku ¯ puna.
After the performance, June introduced
growth of our keiki.
We thank the Nisei veterans for their trust
Brian to her many friends, including
Ocean View Center meets the needs
in us to provide a setting that nurtures
Alan Nishio, retired chair of the board
of adult clients functioning at a high-
and cares for ku ¯ puna and keiki together.
of governors of the Little Tokyo Service Center, the community-based organization that develops affordable housing projects
Intergenerational Program Participants Tour Maui Ocean Center
and is developing the Budokan, a new sports arena and hall in Little Tokyo. Before departing, the Maui delegates were encouraged to attend the Annual Nisei Veterans Reunion, which will be held from Oct. 16 through 20, 2016, in Las Vegas, coordinated by Friends and Family of Nisei Veterans.
Kansha Preschool enjoyed a joint field trip to the Maui Ocean Center with the ku ¯ puna of Maui Adult Day Care Centers on June 1, 2016. The students and elders rode on the same bus to and from the center. The field trip was a cumulation of the children’s study of the ocean and a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the preschool and the intergenerational program. Siblings of the children at the preschool were also invited to join the excursion.
6
Maui Nisei Veterans Center Visitors On April 25, 2016, Baron Kaholokula and Lloyd T. Kitaoka spoke to the Kamehameha Schools Maui 10th grade U.S. history classes taught by Lesley Ann Pico-Lilio. Baron, a musician from Kaua‘i, told the story of his grandfather, Sgt. James “Kalei” Kaholokula, Company F of the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate). Sgt. Kaholokula, from Pauwela, Maui, became a noted Hawaiian composer and musician after returning from his service in World War II. Lloyd, executive president
Baron Kaholokula (left) and Lloyd T. Kitaoka (right) PHOTO: KYLE WATANABE
of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans, presented a brief history of the battalion. He also spoke about his father, First Sgt. Takashi Kitaoka, Company B, 100th IFB, who was born in Ha ¯ na, Maui. During his career in law, Takashi served as a Maui Second Circuit Court judge.
Maui resident Ann Yasui Kochi (right, seated) and other Yasui family members visited the Education Center in June. Ann’s uncle, Staff Sgt. Yoji Yasui, Company C, 100th Infantry Battalion, was killed in action in Italy on Dec. 1, 1943. Her father, Sgt. Rikuji “Ricki” Yasui, served in Europe as a member of the 82nd Airborne, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Maui
Ramona Ho, Kamehameha Schools Maui
newspaper Publisher Satosuke Yasui,
librarian, coordinated their presentations,
father of Yoji and Ricki, was picked up
as well as another talk on April 26 that
by authorities and interned during the
featured David Fukuda, Glenn Shishido
war. During the family visit, they viewed
and Floyd Nagoshi.
Yoji and Ricki’s memorabilia collection that was donated by Ann’s mother, Patsy Tsuyako Yasui.
NVMC Recognizes Five-Year Pledge Donors Five years ago, the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center began its “Marching Home Capital Campaign” to raise funds for the completion of the Education Center. During this campaign, NVMC had a number of donors who, in lieu of making a one-time donation, opted to make a five-year pledge to the center. The amount contributed by these donors, accounting for over half of the total funds raised in this campaign, were vital in making the Education Center a reality. This year marks the fifth year anniversary of these pledges, most of which have already been fulfilled, and the NVMC would like to recognize these donors for their support and generosity over the years. Mahalo! Army: $10,000-plus
Division: $5,000–$9,999
Battalion: $1,000–$2,499
VIP Foodservice
Glenn and Edean Goya
Russell Yamane, CPA
Maui Varieties/Ben Franklin
Tady and Sandy Arisumi
Wayne and Joyce Maeda
Edwin Fujinaka
Lyman and Marilyn Morikawa
Sam Hironaka
Family of the late Mitsuo and
Gary S. and Susan Nakama
Hawaiian Carpet One
Alan and Valerie Matsunaga
Joey and Chelsea Fernandez
Pete Galpin
Regiment: $2,500–$4,999
Chris Hart & Partners INC
Pukalani Superette
Leonard and Laurel Oka
Eric and Elaine Miyajima
Brian Moto
David and Noreen Sereno
Daniel and Carolyn Kamidoi
Hideo and Joyce Kawahara
Wes and Nadine Lo
Tiffany Iida
Chiyono Ito
Hilton and Maria Unemori
Linda Ayau Company: $500–$999 Dwight Muraoka
7
Memories of WARTIME Wailuku BY HIROSHI KATO
It must have been around 1944 when Maui seemed to be overrun by servicemen—soldiers, Marines, and sailors of all sizes, colors and behavior. Until the war, the only haole (Caucasians) we saw were the plantation managers, wealthy businessmen and doctors. Seeing haole getting drunk
Hiroshi Kato was born and raised in Wailuku, Maui. He is a retired dean of Windward Community College, University of Hawai‘i. In addition to his employment at the college, he taught at the secondary level in Sacramento, Guam and in Japan. He is also a retired officer who served in the U.S. Special Forces in Vietnam.
and fighting amongst themselves was unbelievable at first. Weren’t they the special people who were all professionals of the highest caliber? These haole were different; they swore and were very friendly, even with us kids. Were it not for the differences in physical appearance and regional accent, they could have easily been our uncles. We were afraid of the Negros (the socially accepted term back then) because they looked different, but at the same time, indistinguishably similar to each other. Even though there was one black family in Wailuku and Joe Louis was our hero, we had never really seen a black man up close.
Then we found out that a black serviceman had just killed our neighbor, who, like many of the plantation housewives, supplemented her family’s income by doing laundry for servicemen. We didn’t know anything was wrong until the MPs [military police] came by and started to ask questions. Another neighbor had reported the crime. He said he saw a popolo (“black person” in modern Hawaiian slang) man hit our neighbor over the head with a brick. A suspect was brought in to be identified. He was terrified. The charge was very serious. After two days in the hospital, our neighbor died. The man who allegedly killed her was arrested and supposedly shipped to Honolulu for trial. But everyone was convinced that justice would never be done. “They” would just go through some formalities, and like the Massie case in Honolulu, the suspect would be released
In 1933, Thalia Massie falsely accused four local men of rape. Two of the accused, a Nikkei and a native Hawaiian man, were badly beaten by Massie’s mother, husband and two Navy men. The Hawaiian man was shot and killed. The two Navy men were convicted of rape, but the governor of the Territory of Hawai‘i commuted the 10-year sentence to one hour to be served in his office. Within a few days, Massie’s family, the accused and lawyers all returned to the Mainland. with no punishment and sent back to the Mainland.
My earliest recollection of that time was
These Nisei sons, Japanese-American
my aunt crying because there was war.
citizens, were expected to give their lives
Issei, men who were born in Japan and
for their country if necessary—and many
convicted and executed for murder on Aug
immigrated to Hawai‘i, were saying Japan
did. Every family had a member or
1, 1945. He is buried in the Schofield Barracks
would not lose the war—they never lose.
close relative who was serving in the
But, as it turned out, the suspect was
Post Cemetery on O‘ahu. Wailuku, Maui’s County Seat since 1905,
Nisei women (second generation, born in Hawai‘i) were crying and telling the Issei
was no longer a peaceful little town. But
men to “stop that kind of talk” because
to the servicemen from afar, it must have
they would be arrested.
seemed to be very quiet. To the local residents, the presence of the
A few months later, these same Issei ended up telling their sons to serve their
servicemen ranged from an inconvenient
country loyally, and not bring shame upon
intrusion on their lifestyle to the perfect
their families and community.
opportunity to make a quick profit.
8
armed forces.
The daily talk was about how so-and-so was doing overseas: “Kotoku was wounded again” or “Mamoru is OK and was transferred to a hospital.” I had been proud that my cousin, Arata,
ministers and teachers—were moved to
only a few months). Some of us also had
camps in Honolulu or the Mainland.
part-time jobs. I delivered newspapers.
They were not all relocated like the
The intersection of Vineyard and
Japanese-Americans on the West Coast,
Market Streets was “my corner.” I had no
because key supporters of the Japanese-
power, but it was understood by all the
was never wounded, even after serving so
Americans in Hawai‘i convinced the
other paper boys that this prime piece of
long. But then it happened.
military that removing them from the
newspaper-selling real estate was mine—
islands would deplete the manpower
no one challenged it.
We got word that he was killed in action in France. My aunt was devastated. It was
needed to keep the economy going and
bad enough that Auntie was widowed at a
win the war. But to us kids, life went on as
I was completely drenched, along with
young age and had a rough life providing for
usual. We didn’t know any better. We had
all of my papers. Since no one would
three children alone, but now, her only son,
no frame of reference.
buy soggy newspapers—even at my
who volunteered to join the Army at age 19, was gone. She was totally unprepared for this
Expressions of prejudice—usually in the form of racial slurs—sometimes stung us. There were, however, many decent people
tragedy. She was not alone—many families
who did not consider us anything other
went through similar experiences. Yet, we
than kids.
were more fortunate than some families.
During one miserable, cold, rainy day,
corner—I was about to call it quits when a “savior” appeared. A drunken sailor bought all of my drenched papers. My neighbor, Steven, also a paper boy,
We went to school just like other
had given up and was on his way home
One family we knew had their father
American children—with the exception of
when he asked me how I got rid of all
taken away. We later learned that the Maui
always carrying our gas masks along with
my papers.
Japanese community leaders—many of them
our books (a requirement that spanned
“One dumb, drunken, sailor bought all of them,” I said. Then we proceeded home via one of our many short cuts—a local bar. There, I saw the sailor sitting at the bar, cold sober and talking to another sailor. As we walked out of the bar, Steven asked, “You crying?” I wiped my face and said, “It’s raining, stupid.”
Hiroshi Kato and his older brother, Kengo Kato, at the beach before the war. During the war, Maui’s beaches were covered with barbed wire.
9
Poland: The Battle of Monte Cassino
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk PHOTO: LONDON.MFA.GOV.PL
BY DAVE FUKUDA
This past April, Ramona Ho and Leslie Anne Pico of Kamehameha School Maui invited a few sons of Nisei 100th and 442nd veterans to present artifacts and stories about their fathers.
and forced the Germans to flee north. The Allied forces sustained
Dad did not collect many souvenirs, so I decided to introduce the
eternal city of Rome.
students to the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy. Just as the Battle of the Lost Battalion was a seminal event for the 442nd RCT, Monte Cassino stands out as a defining moment for the men of the original 100th Battalion (Separate). The 100th Infantry Battalion was attached at that time to the 133rd Regimental Combat Team of the 36th Division and tasked with taking the mountain upon which stood the famous Abbey at Monte Cassino. The unit had made two unsuccessful and costly attacks on the hill in January, 1944. After the battles, the 100th left Cassino with only 521 effective soldiers of the original 1,300 men they had when they entered Italy four months before. They had earned their nickname, “The Purple Heart Battalion.”
50,000 casualties compared to the Germans’ 20,000 casualties during this period. But once this line was broken, it took only 18 days for the Allies to travel north up the Liri Valley and free the
How many citizens in Hawai‘i or descendants of the 100th Infantry Battalion veterans are familiar with Monte Cassino and the role these Americans played in the famous battle? Judy and I , along with fellow Nisei Veterans Memorial Center Board Members Glenn Goya and Beryl Bal and spouses had an opportunity to visit Gdansk, Poland, in 2010. Gdansk, ruled by the Teutonic knights during medieval times, was destroyed during the German invasion in WWII. It was the birthplace of the Solidarity movement under Lech Walesa in the late 1980s. Our tour guide was a young Polish man, perhaps in his early 20s. Someone had posed a question about Poland’s army during WWII and in his response, he included details about the Polish army’s role in the Battle of Monte Cassino. I was taken aback
Following this first wave of attacks were four months of battles
by how someone so young would know so much about that
ending in May 18, 1944, when Polish units finally overran the hill
particular battle.
10
I got a firsthand glimpse of how this knowledge is being conveyed to the younger generations when we attended the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino...
I got a firsthand glimpse of how this knowledge is being conveyed to the younger generations when we attended the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino in May of 2014. On the hill just behind the great abbey, rebuilt since its total destruction by Allied bombing in 1944, sits a cemetery which is the final resting place for some 1,000 Polish soldiers who lost their lives during the battle. During the actual memorial ceremonies, standing behind each grave marker, were two Polish children who were bused in for the event. At least 2,000 children would learn and hear about the sacrifice and contributions of their grandfathers and greatgrandfathers. It was a truly moving scene. Earlier this year, Judy and I spent a few days in Krakow, Poland. Krakow was the home of the Polish kings for three centuries and renowned universities, including the 750-year-old Jagiellonina University. It was also home to the thriving Jewish community of Kazimierz before WWII and the Holocaust. The main road from the west over the Vistula River and leading into the heart of this city is named “Monte Cassino.� The Poles have certainly done a much better job of telling the story of Monte Cassino to their children than we have. Yet, in our short history of modern Hawai‘i, it may be that this battle has had a greater impact on our people than those in Poland. How many of us know about the battle of Monte Cassino? Have you taken the time to tell your children and grandchildren about Monte Cassino? This might be the perfect moment.
Polish children attended the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino. PHOTO: LONDON.MFA.GOV.PL
11
Lest We Forget Minoru “Swipe” Nakamura May 16, 1922 – September 9, 2015 Minoru “Swipe” Nakamura of Lahaina, Maui, passed away on Sept. 9, 2015, at the age of 93. Mr. Nakamura was born on May 16, 1922, at Pu‘ukoli‘i, Maui, to Yakuzo and Yosono Nakamura. He attended elementary and intermediate school in Pu‘ukoli‘i, then started working for Pioneer Mill at an early age. In 1943, he volunteered for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and trained and served in the 3rd Battalion, Company L. He was injured in Italy and sent to a hospital in New York to recover. He received several awards, including a Purple Heart for his injury. He was discharged from service in 1945. Upon returning from service in WWII, Mr. Nakamura returned to Pioneer Mill where he worked until retiring as a harvesting crew supervisor. He enjoyed gardening, watching sports and going to Las Vegas. He was a member of the Maui 442nd Veteran’s Club and the West Maui AJA Veteran’s Club. Minoru was married to Misaye for 70 years and had one son, Leslie Nakamura. He is survived by his wife, Misaye; son Leslie (Kathy) Nakamura; and brother Taketa Nakamura. He is predeceased by sisters Sadako (Fred) Miyabara, Mitsuko Nakamura, Carol (Stanley) Yamamoto, Adna (Clarence) Aoki and Jane Nakamura; and brother Satoru Nakamura.
Shinichi “Wimpy” Endo September 19, 1922 – March 24, 2016 Shinichi “Wimpy” Endo, formerly from Maui and most recently a resident of San Francisco, passed away on March 24, 2016, at the age of 93. Mr. Endo was born on Sept. 19, 1922, to Sakuji and Hatsumi Endo. He is survived by Nancy, his wife of 69 years; sons David Endo and Paul Endo; brothers Tamotsu Endo and Michitaka Endo; sisters Katherine Worsley,
12
OUR DEPARTED COMRADES Caroline Oishi and Evelyn Ueoka; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is predeceased by his parents; daughter Ione Oliphant; son Kenzie Endo; brothers Hiroshi Endo, Toshia Endo, Takeo Endo and Eichi Endo; and sister Jessie lkuko Sueda. Mr. Endo was a WWII veteran of the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team. He served in Company B of the 100th Infantry Battalion. Among other decorations, he was awarded the Purple Heart for a severe leg wound sustained on a scouting patrol in the early days of the Rome-Arno Campaign in 1944. He was honorably discharged from service on Nov. 6, 1945, with the rank of private first class. He was recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Post-war, Shinichi resumed his life on Maui, then in 1956, he moved his family to San Francisco. He worked for Sperry Rand Corporation/Unisys as a service representative until his retirement in 1990. He expertly serviced both manual and electric typewriters at various business offices in downtown San Francisco.
He joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team on March 23, 1943. Mr. Asato served in Company I during their campaigns in Italy and France. Battles included the Rome-Arno Campaign, North Apennines Campaign, Rhineland Campaign and the Central Europe Campaign. Jotoku was awarded the American Campaign Service Medal, EAME Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was also a recent recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur medal, France’s highest decoration. Jotoku was honorably discharged from the 442nd on Dec. 27, 1945, with the rank of private first class. Mr. Asato reenlisted for service in Japan from 1947 to 1950 and served in the Yokohama Signal Depot. He received the Army of Occupation Medal with clasp for Japan and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal on Jan. 12, 1950.
“Wimpy” was an avid gardener and golfer and enjoyed the outdoors.
He reenlisted once more, this time for the Korean War with a final rank of sergeant first class.
Jotoku Asato
Jotoku worked as a heavy equipment operator at Maui Land & Pineapple Company until retiring in 1985.
December 18, 1923 – May 1, 2016 Jotoku Asato was born on Dec. 18, 1923, at Kaheka, Pa ¯‘ia, Maui, to Uto and Jokichi Asato. He was 92 years old when he passed away peacefully at his home in Pukalani on May 1, 2016. Jotoku was predeceased by his wife, Doris (Chizuko) Asato. Jotoku is survived by his sons, Richard (Ladda) Asato and Sherman Asato; and his daughter, Karen (Patrick) Saka; grandchildren Leigh Ringstad, Aaron Ringstad and Robert Asato; and greatgrandchildren Tyce Ringstad and Kaiya Ringstad. He was predeceased by brothers Joichi Asato and Seichi Asato, and sisters Haruko Tamanaha, Hanako Fujimoto, Tsuruko Lum Ho and Marian Takushi. Jotoku attended Pa ¯‘ia School. He went to work as a farm hand at Maui Pineapple Company to help his family before volunteering for service in WWII.
After retirement, he was an avid golfer and enjoyed it well into his 80s. Jotoku also enjoyed working in his garden. He was a proud member of the Maui 442nd Veteran’s Club.
Goro Fujikawa September 2, 1926 – April 11, 2016 Goro Fujikawa was born on Sept. 2, 1926, in Ha ¯na, Maui, to Rinzuchi and Shina (Kashiwamura) Fujikawa. He had six brothers and five sisters. He is survived by his sisters, Edna Fusae (Kenneth) Asato and Jean Natsue (Henry) Higuchi. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Katherine (Kay) Fujikawa, brother-in-law James (Theo) Ichikawa, and numerous loving nieces and nephews. On April 14, 1945, Goro was inducted
into the army at Schofield Barracks into Headquarters Company I Corp, 163rd Language Detachment. After five months of training and schooling as an interpreter at Schofield Barracks, he was deployed and stationed in Japan, where he interpreted conversations and questioning between Army officers and Japanese civilians, and participated in other activities concerning occupational forces. Mr. Fujikawa received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army on Jan. 5, 1947. For his service, he received the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. He left service with the rank of technician fifth grade. When Mr. Fujikawa returned to Ha ¯na after the war, he was hired as an accountant at the Ha ¯na Ranch Office, where he worked until his retirement. He enjoyed watching sumo wrestling and other shows on the Japanese language channel. He also enjoyed going to Las Vegas at least two times a year, his daily walks, raising anthurium, activities with the Ha ¯na senior citizens club and service to the Ha ¯na Hongwanji.
Motoshi Tokunaga January 25, 1922 – May 15, 2016 Motoshi Tokunaga passed away on May 15, 2016, at the age of 94. Mr. Tokunaga was born to Toshio and Matsuno Tokunaga of Kahului, Maui. He is survived by daughters Carol (Alan) Arai and Teri-Lynn Tokunaga; son Mark (OkChun) Tokunaga; grandchildren Matthew Tokunaga and Traci Tokunaga; greatgrandchild Kaden Finlinson; and sisters Tomiko Ito, Rose “Kimie” Kaji and Minnie “Matsue” (Al) Yuen. He is predeceased by his wife, Edna (Sato) and brother, George Tokunaga. Motoshi attended St. Anthony School from the fourth to the 10th grades. He then transferred and graduated from Maui High School in Hamakuapoko. On Aug. 17, 1944, Motoshi enlisted in the service and completed his basic training at Camp Fanning, Texas. In early 1945, he was shipped out for overseas duty in Europe. He landed in Northern France, was transported to Marseilles and was eventually shipped to Northern Italy, where he joined Company
I of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He served in the North Apennines and Rhineland Campaigns. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the EAME Service Medal. He was also a recent recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. Motoshi was honorably discharged from service on Nov. 19, 1946, at the rank of corporal. After the war and returning to Maui, Motoshi first worked as a carpenter for private firms. Then in 1964, he was hired by the County of Maui, where he began as a carpenter, was promoted to foreman and then became a building inspector. In 1970, he transferred to the state Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) in the same capacity. In 1978, Motoshi was promoted to building and grounds superintendent for Maui County, retiring in this position in 1985. Mr. Tokunaga was an active member of the Maui 442nd Veteran’s Club and Maui AJA Veterans Inc. In 1993, he was a co-recipient of the Maui AJA Veteran’s Distinguish Service Award.
Hiroshi “Jack” Uyeno September 24, 1925 – June 6, 2016 Hiroshi “Jack” Uyeno, 90, of Kahului, Maui, passed away at home under the care of Hospice Maui, on June 6, 2016. Hiroshi was born on Sept. 24, 1925, to Junitsu and Suzumi (Hirano) Uyeno. He is survived by his wife, Sadae (Sakata); his daughter, Karen (Raymond) Aquinaldo; and his brother, Kazuaki “Bob” (Mildred) Uyeno. Mr. Uyeno was predeceased by his brothers, Atsushi and Kiyoshi; and sisters Florence and Sachiko. Mr. Uyeno was a proud veteran of WWII, serving in France and Germany from 1945 to 1947, then reenlisting from 1947 to 1948. He was honorably discharged in March 1948 with a rank of technician fifth grade. Hiroshi was a member of the Maui 442nd Veteran’s Club. Hiroshi retired as a mechanic with Valley Isle Motors. After retiring, he continued his passion, working on cars with his friends.
Shigeo “Piggy” Wakayama June 1, 1923 – June 18, 2016 Shigeo “Piggy” Wakayama, 93, of Kahului, Maui, passed away at his residence on June 1, 2016. He was born in Kahului to Masaichi and Nui Wakayama. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janet; daughter Janice (Clarence) Ishizu; and son Neal (Nena) Wakayama. He is survived by his grandchildren, Ryan Ishizu, Megan Wakayama, Taylor Wakayama and Coby Wakayama. He is also survived by his sister, Thelma (Michio) Okuda, and brother-in-law Takeji Nihei. Shigeo loved basketball and was the captain of the Maui High School basketball team. After graduating, Shigeo began working for Kahului Railroad Company as a warehouseman in its bulk sugar operation at the pier. Shigeo volunteered to serve in WWII and was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 23, 1943. He was a member of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, eventually being assigned to Headquarters Company of the 2nd Battalion. He served in the ammunition and pioneer platoon, which assisted in construction and repair of roads and bridges, and transported ammunition and supplies to the frontline soldiers. He was fondly remembered for entertaining his fellow soldiers and others with his talent for dancing the hula. Shigeo participated in the Rome-Arno, Po Valley, North Apennines and Rhineland Campaigns with the 442nd RCT. For his service he was awarded the American Campaign Service Medal, EAME Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and the World War II Victory Medal. He was also a recent recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. Shigeo was honorably discharged as a private first class on Dec. 22, 1943. After the war, Shigeo returned to Maui and his former job with Kahului Railroad in the bulk sugar operations. He worked for Kahului Railroad for 40 years, retiring in 1985.
13
Contributions to the NVMC for the period March 1, 2016 – August 31, 2016 ARMY Wayne and Irene Akemoto in Memory of Charles and Teruko Akemoto Karen and Patrick Saka in Memory of Jotoku Asato
James and Cynthia Pratt in Memory of Richard T. Murakami, 232 Engineer Company Aline Rolaff in Memory of Howard Hamaguchi and Tamotsu Hamaguchi Jed and Lynda Sasaki
Adele Sumida
Clinton Shiraishi
DIVISION
Janice Shiraki
Alan and Carol Arai in Memory of Motoshi Tokunaga David T. & Judith Fukuda Takeo Ikeda Alan & Valerie Matsunaga in Memory of Toshio and Misao Kubota Raymond & June Yamamoto Fred H. and Helen Yamashige
REGIMENT Howard and Pam Ikeda Leslie Yamanaka in Memory of Haruyuki Yamanaka
BATTALION Ronald T Akemoto in Memory of Charles and Teruko Akemoto Tsuzuki Kimura Ralph & Grace Murakami Susan Watanabe
COMPANY MyrtLe Agrabante
in Memory of Itsuo Shiraki Barbara Tadakuma
Battalion, Co. D. Frances Teshima in Memory of Kazuo Teshima, Rokuro and Hisako Sano Richard Watson and Terry Nako
Isamu Tamashiro Alvin Tanaka
PLATOON
Harold and Irene Teraoka
Randy and Antoinette Abreu in Memory of Jotoku Asato Hiroshi Arisumi in Memory of Jotoku Asato Robert and Geraldine Carroll Catherine Davenport Agnes Fernandez and Domingo Kinores in Memory of Jotoku Asato
Gary Fukuroku Wessen and Lydia Furomoto
Tadao Ishii
Glenn and Linda Hashiro
Donald and Mae Karimoto
Sam Y. & Dorothy K. Hatanaka in Memory of Paul and Toshio Umetsu Tom Hiranaga in Memory of Jotoku Asato
Masue Kimura
Evelyn Hiranaga
Elaine Kina
Mark Hiyakumoto Carolyn H Hozaki Donald and Faith Ito
Robert S. and Edith I. Matsumoto
in Memory of Motoshi and
George and Reiko Matsunaga
Fukuye Tokunaga
in Memory of Jotoku Asato Myles and Renee Murakami
Johnny P in Memory of Jotoku Asato Teruo Kakihara Kim Sagun and Family in Memory of Jotoku Asato
in Memory of Jiro Watanabe,
Kenneth and Bernice Kimura
Co. L, 442 RCT
Claire Kobayashi
Carolyn Nishimura Jean Okimoto in Memory of Humio Okimoto Harold & Masue Okumura Futoshi and Ruth Otomo
in Memory of Jotoku Asato Dennis Koyanagi Chosei and Frances Kuge in Memory of Joe Ichiuji Linda Kushi in Memory of Motoshi Tokunaga
14
in Memory of Motoshi Tokunaga
Larry S. & Joan C. Yokoyama
Tetsuo K. and Margaret Hamada
Robert T. & Margaret S. Miyashiro
in Memory of Jotoku Asato Arnold and Aileen Shirota
Alan & Pamela Tamashiro
Christopher Hare
Maui News
Rick and Jere Shimomura
Shoji and Shizuyo Yamaguchi
Mark and Lei Gushiken
Maui Distributors, Inc.
in Memory of Motoshi Tokunaga Ronald Pitts
Robert H. & Kazuko Yamaguchi
Clyde & Gail Hamai
Jon and Roslyn Lightfoot
in Memory of Jotoku Asato
Ralph & Thelma Takata
Edwin and Delia Fukuji
in Memory of Richard and Patrick Kina
in Memory of Jotoku Asato Mr. and Mrs. Minoru Uehara
Tom Yamada
in Memory of Jotoku Asato
Hideo and Joyce Kawahara
in Memory of Mitsuo Makishi Chris and Dawne Minford
Yvonne Nagoshi
in Memory of Anthony Takashima, 100th
Earl and Phyllis Fukami
Dennis & Linda Kawachi
in Memory of Elmer S. Higashi Harriett S Matsuda
Peggy Takashima
Thomas and Akiko Giambelluca
in Memory of Haruo Karimoto
Harriett S Matsuda
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Kunitake
Darlene Fuke
in Memory of Jotoku Asato
in Memory of Jotoku Asato Saburo Masada
Lance Takamiya
Grace Fujii
Gordon, Annie, Akasha and Ben Loo
Shirley Lee
Anna Umehira Linda Unemori Valley Isle Vixens Paul and Andrea Van Marter in Memory of Fujio Shibano Earl and Valerie Vierra in Memory of Jotoku Asato Andy and Merle Watanabe Gordon and Lynette Watanabe Sueko Watanabe
PLATOON Linda Ayau in Memory of Jotoku Asato Bobby Asato and Ohana in Memory of Jotoku Asato William and Arlene Chang Wendell and Debra Gonsalves in Memory of Jotoku Asato Wendy Isbell in Memory of Jotoku Asato Sumiko Kuniyoshi Eleanor Martin Mr. and Mrs. Roddy Nakamura Asayo and Alvin Naguwa in Memory of Motoshi Tokunaga Charlene Sato in Memory of Jotoku Asato Ray and Gale Shimomura Robert and Colleen Shishido in Memory of Motoshi Tokunaga Matt and Kelly Thayer in Memory of Jotoku Asato Carla Tracy in Memory of Jotoku Asato Valerie and Richard Piano in Memory of Jotoku Asato
Please show your support for the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center Your tax-deductible contribution will help the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center maintain the NVMC “Living Memorial” campus and fulfill its mission of promoting understanding
NVMC
DONATE TO THE NVMC
about the history, values and culture of the Nisei veterans among our community’s children, families and visitors.
DONATION CATEGORIES Please indicate your support level by checking below: ARMY ($2,500 and over)
COMPANY ($249 – $100)
DIVISION ($2,499 – $1,000)
PLATOON ($99 – $25)
REGIMENT ($999 – $500)
SQUAD ($24 and below)
BATTALION ($499 – $250)
E nclosed is a check for $_____________ , payable to NISEI VETERANS MEMORIAL CENTER, to support NVMC in its work to educate the community about the history, values and culture of the Nisei soldier. For other donation options, please visit our website, www.nvmc.org or call (808) 244-6862 with any questions you may have.
Please mail this form to: Nisei Veterans Memorial Center P.O. Box 216 Kahului, HI 96733-6716
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
NAME (MR./MRS./MS.)
STREET ADDRESS
CITY
STATE ZIP CODE
Please charge my donation of $ VISA
to:
MASTERCARD
ACCOUNT NUMBER
EXPIRATION DATE
SIGNATURE DATE
15
NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAKAWAO, HI Permit No. 1 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NISEI VETERANS MEMORIAL CENTER P.O. BOX 216 KAHULUI, HI 96733-6716
PAGE 1
FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER
OKAGE SAMA DE
makeup from Fran Takumi of Kahului.
PAGE 5
PAGE 8–9
and sailors of all sizes, colors and behavior.
to be overrun by servicemen—soldiers, Marines,
It must have been around 1944 when Maui seemed
BY HIROSHI KATO
Memories of WARTIME Wailuku
of Los Angeles, California.
Education Center in the Little Tokyo neighborhood
the grand opening of the Go For Broke National
A Maui delegation attended ceremonies for
Maui Delegation Attends Grand Opening Ceremony of New Go For Broke National Education Center
PAGE 4
traditional Kokeshi dolls received new dresses and
This spring, eight of the Chrysanthemum Festival’s
Chrysanthemum Festival’s Kokeshi Dolls Receive ‘Makeovers’
the King Kamehameha Golf Club.
Center’s 13th Annual Banquet on Nov. 4, 2016, at
keynote speaker at the Nisei Veterans Memorial
Pacific Command at Pearl Harbor, will be the
Adm. Harry Harris Jr., the commander of the U.S.
NVMC Banquet Keynote Speaker Admiral Harry Harris Jr.
NVMC