A time to remember

Today is the last Monday in May, and nationally, is recognized as Memorial Day across the United States.

People, some as young as preschoolers, use Memorial Day as a time to honor and mourn people — especially those in the U.S. military — for their efforts leading to the well-being of freedom and democracy, and the advocacy of global peace.

The Kauai Veterans Council will host the Memorial Services at the Kauai Veterans Cemetery today starting at 10 a.m. with the help of many community groups such as the Waimea High School JROTC battalion, the Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Scouts of America, and more.

During clean up and preparations for the Western New Year at the Waimea Shingon Mission Toba Temple, 40 names of individuals were found. The temple was built by families to honor the efforts of their wartime veterans during the World War II era.

For many decades, church members believed there was a single name scribed into the Toba Temple until the discovery in late 2024 that changed their minds.

“We are still figuring out the 40 names,” said the Rev. Kohtoku Hirao of the Waimea Shingon Mission. “If you have any information, please let us know.”

Inquiries have been sent out to the West Kauai Club 100, an organization that was formed by veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion, and descendants of known 442nd Regimental Combat veterans.

Based on the information inscribed in the temple, these individuals come from Kilauea, Anahola, Hanapepe, Waimea and Mana, including Hanamaulu, Lawai and “Wahiawa, Camp 3.”

Their death dates are in 1943 and 1944. The places of their death include Italy, France and America. There are other identifying clues such as the petitioner source which identifies the name as “the first son of …,” and more.

Waimea Shingon Mission is hosting a special service for these “found” individuals on Sept. 7 following the traditional remembrance services such as Memorial Day, and obon services that will be celebrated on June 13 and 14 at the Waimea Shingon Mission.

“Obon is a time to offer prayers for your ancestors and your loved ones,” the Waimea Shingon Mission said. “If you wish to include a special prayer for them during the Toba service, please write their names and dates to the form on the Waimea Shingon website, and send it in by June 6.”

Similarly, the Chochin Lantern Remembrance allows people to celebrate and enjoy with the ancestors’ spirits by attaching a strip of paper with the name of the honoree. These strips will be attached to the chochin lantern and displayed at the main hall of the temple.

For more information, visit www.waimeashingon.mystrikingly.com.
Source: The Garden Island