Memorial Day
Memorial Day 2022: Master of Ceremonies Mike Stolp along with Hiroshi Kozohara and Teddy Shiroma raised the flag. Photo courtesy of Danny Escalona.
The Hakalau Jodo Mission hosts Memorial Day services at the Hakalau Veterans Memorial Park each year. Current and former residents and relatives of those killed in military conflict gather to show respect and celebrate our community life.
Memorial Day Ceremony, May 28, 2022. Photo courtesy of Danny Escalona.
The 16 young men listed on the memorial came from the area extending from Kolekole to Ninole.
Our cultural values include honoring those who came before us. Hakalau memorial services for each soldier have always been well-attended and usually included speeches by community leaders. Services have been held annually at Hakalau Veterans Park on Memorial Day weekend and continue to this day. In memory of these boys from Hakalau-Ninole who gave their lives in: World War 1: Pvt.Thomas Smith World War 2: Pvt. Onso Chinen Sgt. Hiroyuki Hiramoto Cpl. Isamu Ikeda Pvt. Yasuo Kaneshiro Pfc. Yoshitaka Kataoka Pfc. Satoshi Matsuoka Pfc. Toshiaki Morimoto Pfc. Hiroshi Motoishi Pvt. Saburo Nakazato Sgt. Masayoshi Ogata Pvt. Eishun Soken Sgt. Ronald K. Takara Korean Conflict: Cpl. Jun Matsushige Vietnam War: Sgt. Lester W. Alipio Spc. Bobby J. Barcena Their bios are available here: 
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Memorial Day 2022: Rev. Miyazaki performed the service, chanting the Sutta Nipata, the Goodwill Sutra. Photo courtesy of Danny Escalona.
Memorial Day 2022: Stacy Jacobs, Gunnery Sgt. (ret.) talked about his service in the Navy and Marines, including
special operations while deployed overseas. Dedicated service to family and country are clearly his priorities. Photo courtesy of Danny Escalona.
Memorial Day 2022: In concluding remarks, Ninole resident, Robert Nishimoto, spoke of the Hakalau Veterans Park with this memorial as “wahi pana”, a sacred place. The young men listed on the memorial gathered in this spot frequently for school, baseball, and other gatherings. This place was important in their lives. Now it is part of ours. Let us remember. Photo courtesy of Danny Escalona.
Memorial Day 2022: Veteran Ray Gandy plays taps, bringing many to tears. Photo courtesy of Danny Escalona.
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