HANAPEPE — The West Kauai Club 100 will host its 76th Memorial Service for fallen 100th Infantry Battalion veterans on Sept. 29 at the Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe.
HANAPEPE — The West Kauai Club 100 will host its 76th Memorial Service for fallen 100th Infantry Battalion veterans on Sept. 29 at the Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe.
The service that starts at 10 a.m. is intended for members of the Club 100, the service organizers said. The invitation is extended to the “sons and daughters” of 100th Infantry Battalion soldiers and their families.
Organizers are asking attendees to bring a framed picture of the 100th soldier they are representing. The pictures will be placed at the front and may be taken back following the service.
“We want to share the faces of these brave and courageous soldiers with everyone. We will remember the fallen comrades of the Kauai 100th Infantry Battalion by calling each name,” organizers said. “The widow, family and friends are asked to come forward and place a flower (that will be provided ahead of the service) on the wreath in the veteran’s memory.”
Following the recitation of all the Kauai Club 100 veterans, the completed wreath will be placed at the cemetery’s flagpole with the help of the Waimea High School JROTC cadets.
Joining the Waimea High School JROTC cadets will be Rev. Kohtoku Hirao of the Waimea Shingon Mission, who will officiate the program, which includes Kaleo Carvalho of the Mayor’s Office providing songs, flowers and the wreath.
The memorial service has traditionally taken place on the Sunday closest to Sept. 29, the date when Sgt. Joseph Shigeo “Joe” Takata, assigned to Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion, was killed in action during the Salerno to Cassino Campaign in Italy. He was the first member of the battalion who was killed in action.
