The public is invited to the AJA Veterans Memorial Service at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Veteran’s Cemetery No. 1 in Hilo.
The public is invited to the AJA Veterans Memorial Service at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Veteran’s Cemetery No. 1 in Hilo.
The annual service was initiated by World War II Americans of Japanese ancestry veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442 Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service and the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion. It takes place this time of year as it was Sept. 29, 1943, when the soldiers lost their first comrade, Sgt. Shigeo “Joe” Takata, in a battle near Montemarano, Italy.
As the veterans aged, the AJA Veterans Council along with the Sons and Daughters of AJA Veterans organization continued the memorial services, which have changed from a time to express gratitude to the veterans for their service and sacrifice, to remembering and honoring their legacy.
“We are hoping the generations that followed these proud warriors heed the call to not let their contributions be forgotten as we have benefited so much from their efforts,” said Ali Akamine of the Sons &Daughters of AJA Veterans.
Community participants include ministers from Buddhist churches in Hilo, the Hawaii County Band, the Junior ROTC from Hilo High School and Boy Scout Troop 82. The graves throughout Veterans Cemetery Nos. 1 and 2 will be decked with flags.
The AJA Veterans Council was created as the guiding body consisting of representatives from the organizations of AJA veterans from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. As the aging veterans have dwindled in number and strength, the organizations for the WWII and Korean War veterans have been disbanded, however, the council continues to provide guidance to the Sons and Daughters of AJA Veterans in their efforts to continue the legacy of their parents.