The public is invited to join in a special opportunity to support a permanent exhibition of one of Sadako Sasaki’s paper cranes in Hawaii.
In August 2012, the National Park Service and Pacific Historic Parks announced a special donation of one paper crane given by the family of Sadako Sasaki to be displayed at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at the USS Arizona Memorial.
The Sadako Crane Hawaii Fundraising Committee is chaired by Wayne Miyao, chairman of the Hiroshima-Hawaii Sister State Committee; Carole Hayashino, president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii and Alton Miyamoto, president of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.
To ensure the preservation of Sadako’s crane in Hawaii and to properly share her story with visitors to Pearl Harbor, members of the Japanese American community in Hawaii have come together with the Pacific Historic Parks to raise $50,000 for the permanent Sadako Crane display in Hawaii. At this time, the immediate goal of the campaign is to raise $38,000 by May 31 in order to begin construction and unveil Sadako’s crane display on Sept. 21, a day commemorated as “International Peace Day.”
“Unfortunately, World War II in the Pacific started with the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and ended with the tragic bombing of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945,” Miyao said. “Through the years, Hawaii and Hiroshima have been linked in war and tragedy. With this donation of a paper crane by the Sasaki family to Pearl Harbor, we can now be linked in peace and goodwill.”
Hayashino added, “The permanent display of Sadako’s paper crane is a wonderful gift to Hawaii and an important addition to the World War II Valor in the Pacific Memorial at Pearl Harbor. We look forward to building support from our community and sharing the legacy of Sadako Sasaki and her hope for peace.”
Miyamoto said, “This is a rare and exciting opportunity for the people, businesses and all groups especially all religious denominations throughout our state to promote Peace and join in our fundraising efforts. We welcome and humbly ask for your support in promoting the dream and dying wish of Sadako Sasaki.”
Sadako Sasaki was born on Jan. 7, 1943, in Hiroshima, Japan. She was age 2 when the atomic bomb was dropped, was later diagnosed with leukemia and died on Oct. 25, 1955, at the age of 12. Prior to her passing, Sadako diligently folded paper cranes or “orizuru,” based on Japanese legend that if a sick person folds a thousand cranes, her wish would be granted.
A monument dedicated to her memory and as a memorial to all of the children who had died from the effects of the atomic bomb was erected in Hiroshima Peace Park. Today, the origami crane has become an international symbol of peace, and people throughout the world continue to fold paper cranes with the hope of peace.
All monetary gifts to the Sadako Crane Hawaii exhibit are tax-deductible. All contributions are being accepted by the Pacific Historic Parks at: Pacific Historic Parks, 94-1187 Ka Uka Boulevard, Waipahu, HI 96797.
Please notate that your donation is for the Sadako Crane Project. All donors will be invited to the unveiling or dedication ceremonies at Pearl Harbor on Saturday, Sept. 21.
