Annual Puna District Interfaith Memorial Day Observance – Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Please join us for our Annual Puna District Interfaith Memorial Day Observance on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. on the front lawn of Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Keaau, Hawaii. This event is open to the public. We encourage family and friends to attend the memorial observance as we recognize each Puna District resident that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Hawaii County Band will be at the event to play patriotic songs as a prelude to the observance.
The monument on the front lawn of the temple was erected 78 years ago. Rev. Jukaku Shirasu formed the Olaa YBA (Young Buddhist Association) 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 World War II. 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). (We are still awaiting the plaque to be added to the memorial)
After the observance light refreshments will be provided to those in attendance.
