Nisei Veterans Memorial Center

100th / 442nd Memorial Service

September 28, 2007

This year we had the honor of hosting the annual memorial service marking the first KIA of the 100th Infantry Battalion. This memorial service has been held for many years at the Makawao Veterans Cemetery - and it was a privilege to be able to hold the service at our Center this year.

	Veterans, wives, and widows were joined by their children and grandchildren at the first-ever memorial service at our Center.
	Charlene Doi, Kansha Preschool director, thanked the veterans for the use of the Center, and noted that their love of family and community is being passed to another generation.
	A flower was placed as each veteran's name was called.

Our thanks to all who helped us honor the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team veterans who were killed in action, as well as those who returned from the war and are no longer with us.

Each year we gather to remember that day on September 29, 1943.

According to historical accounts, the 100th Infantry led the advance on the drive to Monte Miletto. B Company was on point with the 3d platoon, when the Germans opened fire with machine guns, mortar, and artillery.

Sgt. Shigeo "Joe" Takata was hit in the head by a ricocheting machine gun bullet while advancing and spotting a machine gun nest. Dying from his wounds Sgt. Takata pointed out the nest for his platoon and they finally silenced the gun.

For our nation at large, your legacy is one of fortitude and forgiveness – the fortitude to persevere in the most dire circumstances: Cassino, Anzio, Belvedere.

Between September 1943 and February 1944 – five months – the ranks of the 100th Infantry fell from 1300 men to just 521.

Yours is also a legacy of forgiveness – the forgiveness to set aside bitterness and anger toward a nation that doubted your loyalty, and trampled on your bravery.

- Barbara Watanabe
Executive Director
Nisei Veterans Memorial Center

LOCATION: We're located on the island of Maui on Kahului Beach Road just as it transitions between Kahului and Wailuku. MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 216, Kahului, HI 96733-6716. PHONE (808) 244.6862.