The 74th Anniversary of the 100th Infantry Battalion Banquet was held on Sunday, July 10, at the Pomaikai Ballroom Dole Cannery. There were about 200 attendees including 12 100th Infantry veterans and several 442nd RCT veterans. The NVLC was well represented with president Wes Deguchi and about 10 members present. Shirley Igarashi manned an NVLC informational table in the lobby area and distributed our first newsletter and pens along with membership applications.
Outgoing 100th president and NVLC member Lloyd Kitaoka and his club planned an excellent day. The veterans were personally escorted in and individually introduced, Governor Ige brought greetings, and the entertainment was varied and outstanding. Especially noteworthy was the keynote speaker, Dr. Dennis Ogawa, American Studies professor at UH, noted author, and recent honoree as a Living Treasure of Hawaii by Honpa Hongwanji Mission. Four belated Bronze Medals were awarded to 100th veterans Charles Hino, Yosiichi Matsuo, Masaichi Yoza, and Major General Robert Lee (retired). Two scholarships were presented: Stephen Choy, grandson of Paul Nishida; and Kayla Takemoto, granddaughter of Joe Takemoto. They even had a birthday cake for Club 100 and a ceremonial cake-cutting by the veterans.
All in all, an inspiring day and one to be remembered as we approach the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Nearly three-quarters of a century have gone by since our brave Nisei went to war and came home victorious, paving the way for all the good fortune their descendants have since enjoyed.
