Tag Archive: Irene Hirano Inouye

WWII AJA 100Bn/442RCT/MIS/1399thBn veterans and families (Limited to 100) were accorded VIP treatment at Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s memorial service at the National Memorial of the Pacific (Punchbowl). We reported at 6:00 am to the 100th Battalion Veterans Clubhouse. An hour later boarded 2 buses arriving at Punchbowl around 7:30 bypassing other waiting vehicles without our having to go through mandatory body checks at the entrance as other guests. Was shocked that we had special 442 RCT seating and able to view the ceremony so well. Glad our sturdy veterans weathered their long 8 hour day. Huge Appreciation to Command Sgt. Major Beau Tatsumura for coordinating with senator’s office in securing this security clearance with VIP status.

Honolulu- On Sunday, March 24, 2013, the 442nd’s 70th Anniversary Banquet was held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Over 1,100 veterans, families and friends attended the celebration. From the start, the program revolved around the theme, “The Legacy Lives On”, honoring the veterans and sending a clear message: the story of the 442 will live on through the efforts of the next generation. The program also included a special tribute to the late Senator Daniel Inouye, with the keynote speech delivered by Irene Hirano Inouye.

Here are photos taken of the event, compliments of Clyde Sugimoto, Pat Thompson, Wayne Iha, Lowell Thom, Hal Ing, Terry Takaki, and Stan Oka. Click below to open.

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