Japanese(日本語)  

       Home | About Us | Visa | Consular Services  | JET | Education | Japan Info | Culture  | Foreign Policy  | Employment  | Links 

Remarks by Consul General Kamo

for the Hakubi Kimono School 41^st Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony

August 2, 2010

National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl  

Chairman Mizushima…

Distinguished Guests…

Ladies and Gentlemen…

Good morning and Alo-ha!

It is a great honor and pleasure for me and my wife Etsuko to join all of you present at this morning’s wreath laying ceremony by the Hakubi Kyoto Kimono School , a tradition spanning more than four decades to honor and remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before us.

I would like to take a moment to recognize the remarkable personal initiative taken by the members of Hakubi to make this annual peace pilgrimage, along with the participation by the US military and the local community—indeed a true testament of the close bonds which exist between our respective nations.  Moreover, that this ceremony takes place every year on these sacred grounds of Punchbowl, at the crossroads of the Pacific, is a powerful symbol of the strong ties of the friendship of our two peoples.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and the members of the United States military for their assistance in making this ceremony possible.  Your cooperative spirit has given many people the opportunity to express their hopes and prayers for a better world for our children and grandchildren.  And, my gratitude, once again, to the members of the Hakubi Kimono School who have served as true goodwill ambassadors in this most meaningful endeavor. Thank you very much your kind attention…mahalo!