UPDATE 12.7.19: U.S. and Japanese officials pour whiskey from wartime canteen in show of reconciliation
Dr. Hiroya Sugano, left, director general of the Zero Fighter Admirers' Club, came from Japan to conduct the annual Blackened Canteen Ceremony. Sugano's wife, Yoko, right, and Bishop Shokai Kanai prayed Friday at the Arizona Memorial.
Approximately 150 people attended the Blackened Canteen Ceremony on the eve of the 78th anniversary of Japan's Dec. 7, 1941, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the event that propelled the United States into World War II. More than 900 servicemen remain entombed in the battleship USS Arizona since it sank in the bombing.
The December 7th observation featured a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m. — the same time the attack began. Silence was broken by a flyover of U.S. Air Force fighter jets in missing man formation.
Marine Cpl. Zachariah Jeavons, 22, of Binghamton, N.Y., meets Pearl Harbor survivor Lou Conter, 98, who was aboard the USS Arizona when the Japanese attacked in 1941, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the 78th anniversary of the attack.
Fukumatsu Itoh of Japan was the initial caretaker of the canteen when he recovered it from wreckage in Shizuoka on June 20, 1945, after two B-29s collided over the city during a bombing raid, killing the 23 airmen aboard.[source]
"Today, Japan and the U.S. share one of the closest friendships between two nations. I believe Japan and the U.S. are able to demonstrate around the world the power of reconciliation."
More than 2,300 members of the U.S. military were killed in the attack. Nearly half — or 1,177 — were Marines and sailors serving on the USS Arizona, a battleship moored in the harbor. The vessel sank within 9 minutes of being hit, taking most of its crew down with it.
UPDATE 8.24.19: We reach out to Charlene Flanter, spokeperson for Shinnyo-en on O'ahu, and requested a peaceful, gracious and kind accommodation. We suggested Shinnyo-en and this Buddhist woman from Japan shift their wonderful progam to Sunday, so we do not trample on the memory of American heroes on the National Reserved Day of Mourning set by the U.S. Congress for the Last Monday in May.
CONTACT Charlene. Ask that the group move their event to Sunday. Simple. Let's all get along and honor our loved ones. Please email:
cflanter@naleialoha.org
Shinnyo-en particpants would prefer attending festivities on Sunday, as the Monday schedule of events gets families home late at night, which leaves them tired for work Tuesday morning.
Shinnyo-en rudely SAID NO WAY!!! They prefer to diminish the observation of our American fallen heroes. NEVER FORGET the Japanese ATTACKED America here in Hawai'i. Japan still wants these islands. This Buddhist priest of "peace" refuses to compromise. What does that tell us?
Greater Love Has No One Than This, Than To Lay Down One's Life For His Friends
[video length — 4:20]
UPDATE 1.27.20: Two soldiers weekilled when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan were paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, the defense department announced Sunday. Killed in the blast were Staff Sgt. Ian P. McLaughlin, 29, of Newport News, Virginia; and Pfc. Miguel A. Villalon, 21, of Joliet, Illinois, according to a release.
Staff Sgt. Ian Paul McLaughlin, left, and Pfc. Miguel Angel Villaon.
UPDATE 12.7.19: Joshua Kaleb Watson, 23, was confirmed as one of the three victims who was killed Friday morning when Saudi national Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani opened fire on a flight training program for foreign military personnel.
"After being shot multiple times he made it outside and told the first response team where the shooter was and those details were invaluable. He died a hero and we are beyond proud but there is a [hole] in our hearts that can never be filled," Adam Watson stated.
Watson's father Benjamin told USA Today his son was the officer on deck at the time of the shooting and sustained at least five gunshot wounds before being able to make it out to relay important information about the shooter before succumbing to his injuries.
"Heavily wounded, he made his way out to flag down first responders and gave an accurate description of the shooter. He died serving his country."
UPDATE 10.30.19: President Trump awarded the highest military honor on Wednesday evening to Army Master Sgt. Matthew O. Williams who fought his way up a frozen mountain in Afghanistan to help rescue wounded comrades during a mission to kill or capture a terrorist leader.
Williams, of Boerne, Texas, previously was awarded the Silver Star for his heroics during the six-hour battle on April 6, 2008, in Afghanistan’s Shok Valley. Williams was part of a joint U.S.-Afghan raid hunting Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of the former Hezebela Islami Gulbadin militia, Army Times reported.
"In the face of rocket-propelled grenade, sniper and machine-gun fire, Sergeant Williams led an Afghan Commando element across a fast-moving, ice-cold and waist-deep river to fight its way up a terraced mountain to the besieged lead element of the assault force. Sergeant Williams then set up a base of fire that the enemy was not able to overcome."
"AMERICAN HERO!" President Trump tweeted on Wednesday. Beneath the text was a photo of him placing a paw-print medal on the pup as if he were at a White House Medal of Honor ceremony. His tweet came just hours before the White House's ceremony scheduled for Wednesday.
"We have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (name not declassified) that did such a GREAT JOB in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi." A Belgian Malinois accompanied U.S. Navy SEALs on the 2011 raid that killed al Qaeda leader Usama bin Laden.
"That's the kind of dog you want to lead a patrol like this," Ron Aiello, a former Marine dog handler and president of the nonprofit U.S. War Dogs Association. Most dogs trained to serve in the U.S. military are Belgian Malinois and German and Dutch shepherds. These breeds are selected because they are very aggressive, smart, loyal and athletic. "They are the first line of defense. They go out front."
Sgt. 1st Class Elliott J. Robbins, 31, from Ogden, Utah. Died 6.30.19, Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group
Names and details of the two Americans killed August 21st have yet to be released. Details of the other 13 U.S. soldiers and Marines killed in combat so far this year follow:
July 29: Pfc. Brandon Jay Kreischer, 20, of Stryker, Ohio died as a result of wounds sustained in a combat related incident in southern Afghanistan. He was with the 82nd Airborne Division, based in Fort Bragg.
July 29: Spc. Michael Isaiah Nance, 24, of Chicago died as a result of wounds sustained in a combat related incident in southern Afghanistan. He too was with the 82nd Airborne Division.
July 13: Special Forces Sgt. Maj. James “Ryan” Sartor, 40, of Teague, Texas, died in Faryab, a province in the north bordering Turkmenistan, as a result of “enemy small arms fire.”
June 30: Sgt. 1st Class Elliott J. Robbins, 31, from Ogden, Utah, died in Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group
June 25: Special Forces Master Sgt. Micheal Riley, 32, of Heilbronn, Germany, assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group, died in Uruzgan province of wounds sustained from small arms fire during combat.
June 25: Explosives ordnance disposal specialist Sgt. James Johnston, 24, of Trumansburg, N.Y., died in Uruzgan province of wounds sustained in combat from small arms fire.
April 8: U.S. Marine Cpl. Robert Hendriks, 25, of Locust Valley, N.Y., was killed during combat operations in Parwan province.
April 8: U.S. Marine Sgt. Benjamin Hines, 31, of York, Pennsylvania, was killed during combat operations in Parwan province.
April 8: U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Slutman, 43, an FDNY firefighter from Newark, Delaware, was killed during combat operations in Parwan province.
March 22: Explosives ordnance disposal specialist Spc. Joseph Collette, 29, of Lancaster, Ohio, died in Kunduz province as a result of wounds sustained during combat operations.
March 22: Green Beret Sgt. 1st Class Will Lindsay, 33, of Cortez, Colorado, assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group, died in Kunduz province as a result of wounds sustained during combat operations.
January 22: Green Beret Staff Sgt. Joshua Beale, 32, of Carrollton, Virginia, assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), died as a result of injuries sustained from enemy small arms fire during combat operations in Uruzgan province.
January 17: Army Ranger Sgt. Cameron Meddock, 26, of Spearman, Texas, died at Landstuhl regional medical center in Germany, as a result of injuries sustained from small arms fire during combat operations on January 13, in Badghis province. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Brief Summary:
Head of Shinnyo-en, calling herself Her Holiness Shinso Ito, is a Buddhist spiritual priest from Japan. Although she appears to be a sincere and gentle leader, she is not an American citizen and has "stolen" the U.S. federal day of observation, Last Monday in May, reserved for American men and women who have fallen while defending our U.S. Constitution and nation from enemies both foreign and domestic. She co-opts this national day of mourning for the purpose of promoting her delightful Buddhist event, Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i.
This Cultural (mis)Appropriate diminishes the memory and service of our national heroes, primarily men. We ask Her Holiness Shinso Ito demonstrate her commitment to peace and enlightenment by immediately ceasing and further desisting in the promotion of her Buddhist celebration on this somber and most reverent overwhelmingly Christian day of observation. She can select from 364 other days in the calendar, but may wish to avoid trampling on U.S. Veterans Day for similar reasons.
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering and honoring the military personnel who perished while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
People visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day, particularly to honor those who died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
A federal holiday In the U.S., is an authorized holiday which has been recognized by the US government. Federal holidays are designated by the United States Congress in Title V of the United States Code (5 U.S.C. § 6103).
Her Holiness Shinso Ito is head of Shinnyo-en. Recognized as Master Shinjo Ito's most accomplished disciple, she succeeded him after his passing in 1989 as the head of Shinnyo Buddhism. She is one of the few women to become a Buddhist master and attain the highest priestly rank of Daisojo.
Her Holiness Shinso Ito, Head of Shinnyo-en
Her inspiring message of peace and enlightenment is infused with palpable joy and gentleness.
Why then did she STEAL an American Day of Remembrance?
Her Holiness Shinso Ito claims, "In Hawai'i, with its diverse population, traditions become easily adopted and assimilated into its rich cultural fabric.
Maybe it is "easy" with other traditions, but Her Holiness Shinso Ito has trampled arguably on the most sacred of America's federal observations. I'm new here. Come from Kaua'i. We respect the Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Hanapepe. Never seen anything like this. Been going on and growing on O'ahu for twenty years and nobody said a word?
Kaua'i Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Hanapepe
TACHIKAWA, Japan: Her Holiness Shinso Ito was about to conduct her 15th annual Honolulu Lantern Floating Ceremony on Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park. Her image has become so familiar on local newspaper front pages and TV screens (broadcast live since 2007), you might assume she resides in Hawai'i. She does not, though she does have a temple here.
As a younger man, I swore to uphold the U.S. Constitution, as well as protect and defend this nation from enemies both domestic and foreign. The ease by which Her Holiness Shinso Ito "co-opted and assimilated" her Buddhist values and Japanese cultural traditions on this American, predominantly Christian, sacred day concerns me.
I have great respect for Japanese culture. Work with many phenomenal athletes [photo]. Yet like any culture, Japan has a dark side. Most Americans do not know the extend of this negative component. The Chinese do, for example. I worked closely coaching with Jenny Lang Ping — most famous volleyball player in history of China — five gold medals as an athlete.
Scott Goold and China's Womens Olympic Volleyball Team Head Coach, Jenny Lang Ping
We earned the Olympic Silver Medal in Atlanta '96 [photo]. Jenny won Olympic Gold as China's coach in Beijing 2016.
We played excellent Japanese national teams frequently. Amazing athletes and powerful competitors. I believe we always defeated them though. They are simply too short for world-level competition. Nobody in the world plays with as much heart or as well together. Both Jenny and I have the utmost respect for the players and program.
Jenny would never bow when greeting Japanese coaches, players or fans, as is Japanese custom and tradition. I would. Considered it a simple gesture and token of resepct. Jenny grew up in China. She remembers how her people suffered the decades-long Japanese imperialist policy to expand its influence politically, culturally and militarily. Americans do not. I asked her why she refused to bow — she told me.
The Second Sino-Japanese War was a conflict fought primarily between the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan between July 7, 1937, to September 2, 1945. The Soviet Union and United States assisted China. Anyone remember the 1942 Hollywood movie, Flying Tigers, featuring John Wayne?
In WWII, the United Status lost over 500,000 brave and heroic soldiers. We work not to forget the Hollocaust, as Hitler murdered over 6 million Jews. We forget unfortunately in our rivalry with Russia that Hitler slaughtered some 25 million Soviet citizens.
Jenny's home nation suffered the most from the Second Sino-Japanese War. It was the largest Asian war in the 20th century and accounted for the majority of civilian and military casualties in the Pacific Theater. Nobody can even count the total deaths — estimated between 10 and 25 million Chinese civilians and over 4 million Chinese and Japanese military personnel dying from war-related violence, famine, and other causes.
Maybe over FOUR times the brutality suffered by the Jews. Do Jews bow to Hitler? I never again bowed to the Japanese when accompanying Jenny. I understand her cultural pain. South Koreans feel similary as Jenny. Likely do Filipinos.
General MacArther promised, "I will return." He did but not soon enough for them. Over 76,000 starving and sick American and Filipino defenders on Bataan surrendered April 9, 1942. They were forced to endure the infamous Bataan Death March where 7,000–10,000 died or were murdered. The 13,000 survivors on Corregidor surrendered May 6th.
In this November 1943 UP file photo, sprawled bodies are seen on the beach of Tarawa atoll testifying to the ferocity of the battle for this stretch of sand during the U.S. invasion of the Gilbert Islands.
More Than 990 U.S. Marines and 30 U.S. Sailors Sacrified in the 1943 Battle of Tarawa
History Flight, a nonprofit organization (please support), searches for remains of U.S. servicemen lost in past conflicts. The group recently found what officials believe are graves of more than 30 Marines and sailors killed in one of the bloodiest battles of World War II — from the 6th Marine Regiment.
More than 990 U.S. Marines and 30 U.S. sailors were killed in the 1943 Battle of Tarawa, after the U.S. launched an amphibious assault on the small island some 2,300 miles southwest of Honolulu. Marines and sailors immediately encountered Japanese machine-gun fire when their boats got stuck on the reef at low tide. Americans who made it to the beach faced brutal hand-to-hand combat.
History Flight is excavating these gravesites, leading them to find some partial remains that have been matched with those already buried as "unknowns in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific here in Honolulu.
The left wall of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific registers battles and honors those who fought and died for this freedom. Eched in the marble walls are PEARL HARBOR ... WAKE ... CORAL SEA ... MIDWAY ... ATTU ... SOLOMONS ... GILBERTS.
Few Americans have ever heard of Attu, which is off the coast of the terrority of Alaska. U.S. forces combined with Canadian reconnaissance to fight the only land battle of WWII on the continental United States.
PEARL HARBOR ... WAKE ... CORAL SEA ... MIDWAY ... ATTU ... SOLOMONS ... GILBERTS
The right wall of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific registers other battles and honors those who fought and died for freedom. Eched in the marble walls are MARSHALLS ... MARIANAS ... LEYTE ... IWO JIMA ... OKINAWA ...TOKTO ... KOREA.
MARSHALLS ... MARIANAS ... LEYTE ... IWO JIMA ... OKINAWA ...TOKTO ... KOREA
Japanese Emperor Hirohito attacked Pearl Harbor. He was 124th Emperor of Japan, reigning from December 25, 1926, until his death January 7, 1989. He was succeeded by eldest son, Akihito.
Emperor Akihito inherited the Chrysanthemum Throne and reigned as 125th Emperor of Japan until abdication just recently, April 30, 2019. Akihito spent most his reign apologizing to the Asian world for the tragic mistakes of his father. This has been a difficult period for the traditionally-proud Japanese people.
The political Right in America was not pleased by what they considered President Obama's Apology Tour through the Middle East. What else was Obama to do? The world knew the U.S. unjustly attacked Saddam Hussein and Iraq, as Japan had immorally attacked America and nations of the Pacific in WWII. There were no biological / chemical WMDs or nuclear weapons program, as Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld had claimed.
Emperor Naruhito acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne May 1, 2019. It is a bold, energized and positive new era for Japan and her people. His Majesty the Emperor, or His Majesty, has no nominal political power. His role is ceremonial — yet he represents the Spirit of the Japanese people. And, they are rising. No more apologies. The legacy of Hirohito has passed. We applaud, support and encourage them.
Americans dare not forget though. Japan wanted these islands. What their male military personnel could not accomplish, a charming, gentle spiritual woman might achieve.
Hawaii is the only U.S. state with an Asian majority (54%); Caucasion, (18%). Largest ethnic groups include Japanese (20%), Filipinos (13%), Chinese (10%), Koreans (4%), Vietnamese (2%) and Asian Indians (0.3%). Native Hawaiians are just 3.2% of the population. Samoan Americans (1.5%), Marshallese (0.5%), and Tongan (0.3%) round out non-Caucasion population.
Similar to the tradition in Japan of not using the given name of their social dieties, Her Holiness Shinso Ito does not use hers. She implies she is an empress. By co-opting Memorial Day, she diminishes the remembrance of our Veterans — mostly of whom are male and it was American males who bested the men of Japan — with her delightful and joyous celebration.
Her Holiness Shinso Ito conveniently, and in apparent innocence, selects the Last Monday in May — reserved in these islands and across our nation to honor those fallen in battle and who made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation. There are 364 other days. Why not simply select a date with no important local tradition or cultural signifcance?
On mainland, there is a movement characterized as #BlackLivesMatter. BLM is an international activist movement, originating in the African-American community, which campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards Black people.
Some Americans are uncomfortable with their political action. They believe it divides and furthers racial unrest. They respond to BLM with #ALLLivesMatter. Many in the dominant White culture support this modication. They do not wish to increase racial tension.
BLM leaders are adamant and unyielding. They strongly believe reframing their activism as #ALLLivesMatter diminishes their message. They believe society loses focus on the specific issues important to the African-American community.
Her Holiness Shinso Ito has co-opted our sacred observance, "Memorial Day in America is a day when people remember and honor those who have fallen in service to their country." I hashtag this as #VeteranDeathsMatter.
Her Holiness Shinso Ito provides an explanation why this co-adaptation is justified and innocent, "In Hawai'i, with its diverse population, traditions become easily adopted and assimilated into its rich cultural fabric."
I don't believe she is completely accurate. On mainland, Santa Claus lands on rooftops in his sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer. The tradition in the islands is modified. Santa arrives in a canoe.
It would be quite alarming to Americans if Her Holiness Shinso Ito began teaching on Christmas Day it was instead Buddha arriving in the canoe.
Her Holiness Shinso Ito then deceives our unwitting and good-natured population with a partial truth: "It is the norm for people in Hawai'i, on Memorial Day, to place flowers and offerings on gravesites of loved ones who served their country as well as those of others who have passed away."
This is not true. This in not the norm or our long-standing tradition. She has diminished #VeteranDeathsMatter by relabelling it #ALLDeathsMatter. And, as such, Her Holiness Shinso Ito has diminished our memory of our fallen heroes, and diminished the importance of standing up to defend our nation, our values and our freedom.
StarAdvertiser captured how America's young people pay their respects to our fallen heroes on this somber day of observance.
Our young people do not remember John F. Kennedy, who commanded all of to "Ask What You Can Do For Your Country." To the contrary, they ask all of us and this country to do for them. So few are willing to serve in our "All Volunteer Army" that we outsource this obligation to poor Brown boys with an offer of citizenship.
Maybe all our young people should face a similar duty: serve if you want to live here — for with Great Privilege there is an associated Great Responsibility.
Below I include a sample of the hand-drawn depiction of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Siege of Boston, by J. DeCosta July 29, 1775.
The first shots were fired just after dawn in Lexington, Massachusetts, the morning of the 19th. Americans remember and honor this heroic action as "Shots Heard Round the World."
This remembrance lies at the core of our culture — of our collective fight to cast off the yoke of oppression and live as we believe God intended all human beings to live — in freedom and democratic control over our government. We The People shall not perish from this earth. Likewise, we will not allow Her Holiness Shinso Ito to diminish the cultural significance of this dedicated federal memorial. Please pick another day.
The behavior of Her Holiness surprises me. I am extremely impressed with Japanese culture. I appreciate tremendously their commitment to humility, kindness, and what they call, Mindfulness of Others. I teach this Japanese philosophy in my coalition work to reduce gun violence, "Change The Will To Kill."
Her Holiness Shinso Ito is not engaging in Mindfulness of Others humility and kindness by hosting her delightful and popular Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i on the Last Monday in May.
The history of Memorial Day in the United States is complex. The practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers is an ancient custom. Soldiers' graves were decorated in the U.S. before and during the American Civil War.
According to the United States Library of Congress, "Southern women decorated the graves of soldiers even before the Civil War’s end. Records show that by 1865, Mississippi, Virginia, and South Carolina all had precedents for Memorial Day."
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan issued a proclamation calling for "Decoration Day" to be observed annually and nationwide. He was commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. Logan adopted Memorial Day practices that had begun in the Southern states three years earlier.
Northern states quickly adopted the holiday. In 1868, memorial events were held in 183 cemeteries in 27 states; 336 in 1869. Experts believe the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle. According to a White House address in 2010, the date was chosen as the optimal date for flowers to be in bloom in the North.
The earliest Southern Memorial Day celebrations were simple, somber occasions for veterans and their families to honor the dead and tend to local cemeteries. Local cemeteries — not Ke'ehi Lagoon or Ala Moana Beach park.
Her Holiness Shinso Ito has stolen America's Memorial Day. She is using the Most Sober and Reverent of U.S. federal holidays to promote her interpretation of shinnyo or reality. This is not your right. This is cultural (mis)appropriation.
... the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.
White Culture, the dominant culture in America, is increasingly under fire for such inappropriate behavior. We work hard today to educate our young people and each other.
Why then are you, Her Holiness Shinso Ito, doing this here in Hawai'i? This is not an inspiring message of peace and enlightenment infused with palpable joy and gentleness. You are stealing like a common and ignorant thief.
There were 364 other days from which you could have selected to host your charming and delightful event. Hard to believe you chose our Memorial Day by accident.
To the Holiness Shinso Ito, let me share with you some American reality. In April 1865, following Lincoln's assassination, commemorations were widespread. More than 600,000 soldiers of both sides died in the Civil War to end the immoral practice of enslaving human beings.
These burials and memorializations took on new and specific cultural significance. Under the leadership of women during the war, an increasingly formal practice of decorating graves had taken shape. In 1865, the federal government began creating the United States National Cemetery System for the Union war dead.
Holiness Shinso Ito, you are a woman of Buddhist faith. We respect you. Yet who are you to tell American women, primarily Christian women, that you are co-opting their day — the day they honor and remember their husbands, sons, uncles, newphews and brothers? You do not have this right.
In addition, Memorial Day primarily remembers America's men — as men were generally called to serve — not women. The pictures below of girls and boys were taken at the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial observance last Monday. How striking in contrast are these images?
Society offers young girls the privilege to be cute, adorable. peaceful — and protected. Society teaches boys early in their youth they may one day be asked to serve in a war zone — domestic or foreign — to protect their wives and children.
Boys are taught to be aggressive, bully, fight, and to be dominant and strong — never weak — because this is how a man survives the horrors of war and terrible violence society expects us to endure. Many women now criticize men for suffering "toxic masculinity." We aren't born this way. People like you are teaching and raising us to be different right here on Memorial Day. Why then do you blame us?
TO:
Her Holiness Shinso Ito
Shinnyo-en Hawaii
2348 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96826
info@shinnyoenhawaii.org
(808) 947-2814
Only the U.S. Congress has authority to create a federal holiday. Respectfully, Her Holiness Shinso Ito, you are not the U.S. Congress or even a member of the U.S. Congress.
Memorial Day in America is and shall remain a day when people remember and honor those who have fallen in service to their country.
As Her Holiness Shinso Ito claims to be profoundly aware a spiritual path must be meaningful for people living today;
As Her Holiness Shinso Ito teaches an engaged form of Buddhism where practitioners see their daily surroundings as their training ground for cultivating their innate "buddha nature" — the seed of enlightenment that can blossom through giving joy to others;
We therefore humbly request and enjoin that the 21th Anniversary Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i;
Which brings thousands of people to Ala Moana Beach Park on a glorious day, with themes such as, "Many Rivers, One Ocean—Share Your Light"; and
Which is an event believed to be one of the single largest memorial observances in the U.S. with nearly 7,000 lanterns bearing remembrances and prayers set afloat in the waters off Magic Island;
Be Rescheduled for any day of the calendar year, except the Last Monday in May, which remains reserved by The American People, as a sacred tradition and remembrance of the sacrifice of all those who gave some, and the some who gave all, for this glorioius nation and God-given freedom each of us so graciously and thankfully are privileged to enjoy.
As it is written, so shall it be done.
Honolulu Mayor Richard Caldwell spoke. He claimed these men and women did not die for war. They died for peace. "For me it's more about peace than war," Caldwell told the officials in attendance. "It's about people who fought for peace — and not for war."
Hawai'i News Now counted a couple dozen people in attendance. StarAd says there were around 750. Neither were correct. There are over 61,000 listening every day. They have nowhere to go. I wasn't in the Officials Tent. I walked among my brothers and sisters. I saluted all of them — not the fancy, floral wreath.
I don't think the mayor served. I don't believe his comments are accurate. These men didn't fight for peace or war. There's little idealism in the foxhole. They fought to survive. They were doing their best not to get killed. We forget their fear; the horror they faced day afer day and night after night.
Most Americans don't pay much attention to Memorial Day. Her Holiness Shinso Ito had a higher turnout. How sad is that? She didn't pave the way for all we have today. These men and women did.
When a nation forgets their fallen heroes, they also forget the cost of war. The United States first attacked Afghanistan after 9.11, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on October 7, 2001. We've been there nearly 18 years now.
The Soviet-Afghan war lasted 10 years from December 1979 to February 1989. The war broke their economy. We've been in Afghanistan almost twice as long. What's in your wallet?
How To Remember Our National Heroes
My brothers and sisters in arms have asked me to relay some considerations. We seem to no longer remember them or their needs.
First, they do not enjoy current Memorial Day programming. Officials set up tents and chairs for "VIPs" forgetting the most important people lie at rest in the hallowed ground. Officials speak to each other; not to them. Officials sit waiting impatiently for proceedings to start or fiddle with lei around their neck. They wait for you always. They are ready anytime.
Do not speak with your back to them. They love hearing your voice. Speak toward them always. Many suffer PTSD and have horrible memories of their last moments. Speak softly and gently. They love when you say their name.
They need not your flowers nor fancy wreathes. These begin dying once picked. While they may look beautiful to you, they remind them they are now dead. They love living plants and appreciate the vast fields of grass. They love all the flags. They marched and fell under the flag. Seeing all the flags of Red, White and Blue makes their hearts soar.
They love your touch. Rest your hand on their markers. They feel your warm and loving energy. Clean their markers, remove leaves, pull weeds and encroaching grass, as you would tenderly move misplaced hair from their face.
Address them by their first name if you wish. Visualize them in their youth, and importantly, before they were horribly killed. They remember a leg being blown off; a bullet piercing their eye; a claymore mine in Vietnam blowing out their guts; a WWII bomb dismembering them into 50 pieces; or an IED shredding their tender flesh.
Remember their hobbies, such as fixing a hot rod; going dancing on Saturday night; maybe a quiet stroll with a girlfriend; laughing with friends and family over a couple beers; laughing ... yes, laughing. They miss this most of all.
They enjoy small and sincere gifts, such as a pin, badge or necklace. More importantly, they love hearing why it is important to you and why you wish to share it with them.
Yet most, most importnat to them is hearing you say Thank You and that You Appreciate Their Service and Sacrifice. They want to hear you are happy.
They long to hear YOU tell them their sacrifice was worth it; that they they laid down their lives for a reason; that they somehow made a difference.
Please don't whine to them. Focus on the positive. They are good and willing listeners. If you have a struggle, they are willing to help. This is why they rest here now — they were always willing to help. If you ask, be still and quiet, they will answer you in ways they now how.
Listen for their voices. Hear the birds sing out their names. They love having you visit. Walk among them as you would patients in a hospital ward. Tell them fun stories of your life. Make them laugh. Sing to them. They love the soft sounds from a strumming 'ukulele or guitar. It is soothing and comforting like a glorious waterfall. Play for them.
Lastly, just tell them you love and appreciate them. Salute them. Let them know they didn't die in vain. Tell them you love your country as much as did they. Tell them the United States of America will endure. This is why each and every one laid down his or her life.
Heroes Memorial Day Observation
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
My Images
None of the officials and media in attendance seemed much interested in the boys — and girls — lying at rest. Let's remember just a few of the over 61,000+ who are interned in our beautiful national cemetery here in the Pacific.
View toward Diamond Head from National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Next year, rather than saluting a wreath, post a handful of pictures of some of our heroes. Have officials read their names and tell their stories. Invite members of younger generations. Then salute the Men and Women who Gave All to ensure we live freely. This would be a TRUE and MEANINGFUL demonstration of the RESPECT they all EARNED and DESERVE.
Our keiki should read some of their names and stories as well. They need to understand the price of freedom and value of serving our nation.
I start off with Robert Lee Branch of Ohio. Born 1924; died a hero 1944. He was only 20. Wonder if he ever kissed a girl; ever married? What was his favorite book? Remember his curly, dark hair? He loved going fishing. He enjoyed playing catch with his dad. He gave it all up; forfeited the rest of his life — for you, for me, for our nation — do we honor his death in the way we now live?
He's surrounded by UNKNOWNS. We will never know what they gave up to give us all that we have today. One of the UNKNOWNs perished on December 7, 1941. Right here at Pearl Harbor.
UNKNOWN USS ARIZONA; Leroy Wright, GA, 18; Paul E Stoneburner, IA, 21; Modesto Torcato Jr, Vietnam, 45; UNKNOWN.
Wendell Phillips Ela, Colorado, 21; Robert F Mulligan, NY, 20; Stanley Emil Swift, NJ, 24; Philip K Boespflug, 25; Dalton E Bowman, TX, 22.
Shoichi L Mukawa, 37; UNKNOWN; Claude Knuckles, KY, 21; Anthony Perez, CO, 37; Pete E Henderson, CA, 29.
Harry Engleman, NE, 62; Plez Addington, TX, 70; Adolph Petersen, Denmark, 73; Kevin S K Wessel, Iraq, 20; Anastacio I Rivera, Philippines, 58.
Sam K Ko'owao, Hawai'i, 67; Stuckey D Wilson, CA, 31; Elynore Ann Cucinell, Persian Gulf, 79; Michael Byrne, Hawai'i, 69; Mueses Fernandez, Hawai'i, 93.
Robert A Shima, Korea, 23; Lester R Marery Jr, Vietnam, 74; James A Mattson, US Army, 84; Joseph L Manuel, Purple Heart, Korea, 74; Richard I Tanaka, Korea, 84.
Some Heroes Were Cremated
Ted Fukukichi Asato, 90, Korea; Phil Baker Urquhart, 77, US Marine; Charles W Copley, 86, Pearl Harbor Survivor; Robert Y Okazak, 83, Vietnam; Robert Okazaki, 82, Vietnam.
Kenneth T Gushiken, 93, WWII, Play Ball in Heaven; Wendell K Enos, 87, Bronze Star, Korea and Vietnam; Genro K Kashiwa, 87, Silver Star, Purple Heart, WWII, Go For Broke; Teruo Tabata, 84, WWII, To Shine Brightly; Suyeaki Shinozawa, 85, Korea, Fly With The Wind.
Jane M Yoshimura, 77, Wife of Clarence Teruo Yoshimura, US Air Force, You're Loved Always Forever; Michael H Binder, 77, Vietnam, Ka' Imiloa; David K Young, 55, US Navy, A Hui Hou; Tsutomu Agena, 89 and Mitsue Agena, 87, WWII, Perfect Partners; Clarence B J Garcia, 67, Bronze Star, Vietnam, Have a Nice Day If You Don't Its Your Fault
Below I show Cultural (MIS)appropriation images from Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii. Big party for them. Nothing somber about her event. She draws the attention of our youth away from the American heroes who served and died on days such as December 7, 1941. This is somewhat concerning to me. Maybe it should be to you as well.
The Buddhist Leader, Her Holiness Shinso Ito, comes from the nation that attacked us on Decemeber 7, 1941, a people who committed genocide across the Pacific — as did Hitler across Europe, and now diminishes our national observance, primarily a Christian dedication, in recognition of the men — and women — who protected and defended our nation from enemies both domestic and foreign.
Her ceremony is a beautiful celebration of life, love and remembrance of those who have passed. We should share in her spiritual path to enlightment — just not on this treasured and sacred day. Please, Her Holiness Shinso Ito, select another date. This is all we request.
In addition, I highlight an assortment of images from Hawai'i News Now and Star Advertiser. I find all of these inadequately portray the spirit of this observed day.
They show a lot of saluting, recognition of a floral wreath, and high profile politicians. Kind of images one would expect from a Soft Fascist society.
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i 2019 Ceremony
Ala Moana Regional Park
Estimated 50,000+ Participants
StarAdvertiser Images
Memorial Day Observation
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
HawaiiNewsNow Images
Hawaii News Now claimed there were "dozens gathered at the Punchbowl cemetery to honor Memorial Day"
Staff writers do not appear to understand there are over 61,000+ eternally resting on the hallowed grounds. There were also hundreds of family members and friends circulating around the grounds. HNN seems to care only about the celebrities. They were most facinated about the "dead" floral wreath. Not a single story about any of the heroes lying in the field of green.
Memorial Day Observation
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
StarAdvertiser Images
StarAdvertiser wanted viewers to know this was the Mayor's 70th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Honolulu. Wonder if a corporation will claim it next — the Oracle Memorial Day Ceremony or maybe Hawaiian Electric Memorial Day Ceremony? Think this day belongs to the heroes lying in the hallowed ground.
Wasn't much of a somber day for Senator Brian Schatz. Looks like he just received a fat campaign check.
