The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii will be observing its Annual Ireito Memorial Service at ‘Alae Cemetery starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25.
This observance will mark the 85th year of the Annual Ireisai Hoyo Memorial Service.
This service is to honor our Issei, first generation Japanese immigrants.
These contracted plantation workers endured a harsh life in Hawaii, in order to provide a better life and opportunity for our future.
The spirit of sincere appreciation for the courage shown and sacrifices made by those who established the foundation for the liberties and opportunities we now take for granted. Honoring our immigrants as an essential part of life.
“A monument paying tribute to our immigrant pioneers, honoring those who have departed before us and giving those who still remain a sense of closeness and belonging,” said JCAH President Lincoln Ashida in a press release. “We are also honoring two Japanese Maritine Cadets who died at sea and made their final resting place at ‘Alae Cemetery.”
The Ireito Memorial was the inspiration and was initiated by the late Hawaii territorial senator, the Honorable Sanji Abe. Sen. Abe appreciated the immigrants’ unselfish contribution and was grateful for their accomplishments and wished to comfort their spirits. This thankfulness is expressed in the Ireito Monument that stands today in ‘Alae Cemetery.
The monument was dedicated on Aug. 20, 1939. The marble monument was cast in Japan on Aug. 7, 1938.
The overall height is 14 feet and 8 inches and it weighs approximately 15 tons. The sphere on top of the monument symbolize the universal faith of all.
The memorial service is a joint effort between the Japanese Community Association of Hawaii and Big Island Buddhist Federation.
Reverend Marcos J. Sawada, minister, Higashi Hongwanji Mission, and Reverend Jigaku Takenouchi, minister, Taishoji Mission, will jointly be leading the memorial service.
