HANAPEPE — People on Kaua‘i paused in their activities Sunday to express their gratitude and love for the men of the 100th Infantry Battalion during the 100th Battalion Memorial Service at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery.
The annual memorial service coincides with the date the 100th Infantry Battalion suffered its first Killed in Action, with baseball star Shigeo “Joe” Takata being the unit’s first battle fatality on Sept. 29, 1943, a week after the unit landed at Salerno, Italy for its northward trek.
“The Nisei (second generation) boys fought despite their Japanese parents, Buddhist clergy and Japanese language teachers being interned in the interior of the country,” said Rev. Bruce Nakamura of the Lihu‘e Hongwanji Mission, delivering the keynote address. “The 100th Battalion fought in Italy, Southern France and in Germany, emerging as the most highly-decorated unit.”
Nakamura said the situation facing the Nisei solders reflected one of the dark chapters of American history and the solders fought not just for their country, but also fought for the injustice, not just against the Japanese people, but for all Americans.
Nakamura said on Oct. 5, 2010, the unit, along with 6,000 Japanese Military Intelligence Service members, were approved for the Congressional Gold Medal for their service.
The Kaua‘i Congressional Gold Medal service, attended by U.S. Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka and a host of dignitaries, was held earlier this year on island where Kaua‘i veterans of the 100th Btn, the 442nd RCT and the MIS who were physically unable to attend the Washington, D.C. or O‘ahu ceremonies received replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal, the original medal being housed at the Smithsonian Museum.
“I was not going to not attend this service,” said Larry Kashiwabara of the United States Marine Corps. “The other guys said you needed an invitation to attend, but the newspaper said it was for the public so I said I am here to support the veterans.”
Kashiwabara was one of several veterans organizations who attended along with family members, many being sons and daughters of 100th Battalion veterans. Other groups included the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the MIS and relatives.
“The Club 100 has always been good about getting the young people involved,” Kashiwabara said.
During the service, names of the Kaua‘i 100 Battalion veterans were read, relatives being allowed an opportunity to complete a wreath by placing a flower as the names were recited by Ken Morikawa, son of veteran Mugsy Morikawa and president of the West Kaua‘i Club 100.
Military honors, including the presentation of colors, the Saber Unit Honor Guard and the blowing of “Taps” were done by the Waimea High School Jr. ROTC under the direction of Major Victor Aguilar, a cadet offering a lei and a salute as each surviving veteran’s name was called.
Bunkichi Matsuyoshi, Fusetsu Miyazaki, Jack Hada and Monty Kazuma Nishie were the 100th Battalion veterans who made the service and bowed their heads in silent respect as the completion of the wreath was prefaced by a moment of silence and the touching rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings” performed by Brandy Yamamoto, the song being adopted by the 100th Btn veterans.
“We also want to acknowledge Kazuo Senda, who is at home, and Thomas Arakaki, who is in the hospital,” Morikawa said. “They would be here if they were able.”
