442nd RCT 81st Anniversary Banquet

The 81st Anniversary Banquet was held at Hale `Ikena at Fort Shafter on Saturday, March 23, 2024. The event, themed “Vive la France,” was emceed by Micah Benavitz, high school social studies teacher at Mililani High School. A Guidon Processional was followed by a traditional Hawaiian oli, the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.

After a welcome by Wayne Kuwata and opening remarks by Karl Okemura several veterans and spouses were recognized: Roy Fujii, B Battery, 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, B Battery; Royce Higa, 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, A Battery; Cynthia Doi (Antitank Co.); Marian Kubota (L Co./MIS); and Laura Miho (522nd FAB, B Bty.)

The highlight of the luncheon was the Presentation of La Légion d’honneur by Honorary Consul of France, Guillaume Maman, assisted by Jeffrey H. Morita (U.S. Army, retired), to 1st Sgt. Harold S. Nakasone, Cannon Company (deceased). The medal was presented to his sons Clendon, Scot, Derek, and Lance Nakasone. Following the Hawaiian buffet luncheon were historical remarks by journalist/historian Mark Matsunaga and the keynote speech by Guillaume Maman, Honorary Consul of France. And the 442 logo sales were brisk, as always. Thank you so much to all the people who came out to our anniversary banquet!