Annual Puna District Interfaith Memorial Day Observance – Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. on the front lawn of Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

May 14, 2022  |   | Community Events, In the Community, Other Activities, Services

The public is invited to please join us on the front lawn of Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (16-492 Old Volcano Road, Keaau) for our 75th Anniversary of our war memorial monument.  After two year of virtual observance we will meet in-person on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the front of the monument to remember the Puna District servicemen who were killed in action during World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Iraq-Afghanistan Conflict.

Seventy-five years ago Rev. Jukaku Shirasu formed the Olaa YBA council.  As its first project, a silver gray granite memorial monument was erected in the garden fronting the temple to honor the members of the military from the Puna District who lost their lives in WWII.  On Memorial Day 1947, a dedication ceremony was held.  The military government officials, ministers and religious leaders of various denominations participated in the ceremony which was attended by church members and the community.

 

A memorial erected in the garden bears the names of all Puna residents killed in action.
World War II (Stanley Cabral; Yuzo Hayashida; John Hernandez; Seiji Higa; Isamu Kanetani; Yutaka Kawamoto; Morio Mizumoto; Frank Mugihira; Shoichi Nakahara; Tadao Nakamura; Mitsuru Ochiai; Eishin Oshiro; Seikichi Oshiro; Kazumi Tsutsui; and Alfred Veriato).

Korean Conflict (David Aspili; Julio Figueroa; Yoshimi Fukumoto; Isaac K. Hale; Koichi Moriwaki; Wilson Park; and Paul K. Ura).

Vietnam Conflict (Moses I. Kuahiwinui Jr.; George G. Luis; Gilbert Olivar; Hayward K. Peleiholani; and George S. Salema).

Iraq-Afghanistan Conflict (Ray M. Furhmann II and Kirk Takeshi Fuchigami Jr).  <Note:  We have placed the order for this plaque, but still awaiting for it to be delivered and installed on the monument.>

Our guest speaker will be Colonel Deb Lewis, USA Retired.
The Hawaii County Band will also be on site to play the prelude.  The Hilo High School JROTC will be the Color Guards.
Friday, May 27, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. if you have extra flowers, please drop them off. We will use them to make floral bouquets so we have enough flowers to use as we call family members friends to honor their loved ones.