Consulate Activities

2024/7/29

2024 Spring Imperial Decoration Conferment Ceremony for Mr. Daniel Alan Martinez

Mr. Martinez and Consul General Kodama Mr. Martinez (middle) and Consul General Kodama (right)
Mr. Martinez, Attendees and Consul General General Kodama
On Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Consul General’s Official Residence, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays was conferred to Mr. Daniel Alan Martinez.
 
Mr. Martinez, who served for 44 years at the U.S. National Park Service and held the position of Chief Historian at the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, made significant contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. He dedicated himself to achieving balanced historical exhibits that encompass perspectives from both Japanese and American viewpoints, particularly focusing on the attack on Pearl Harbor.  
 
At the ceremony, Consul General Kodama delivered a congratulatory message and expressed his gratitude for Mr. Martinez’s long-standing contribution to promote friendship between Japan and Hawaii as well as Japan and the United States. In his speech, Mr. Martinez thanked those in attendance for their support, noting that his endeavours to make Pearl Harbor a symbol of reconciliation and friendship between Japan and the United States was made possible only through the support of many people.
 
The program for the Conferment Ceremony was as follows:
  • Opening Remarks – Consul General KODAMA Yoshinori
  • Conferment of the Imperial Decoration – Consul General KODAMA Yoshinori
  • Recipient’s Speech – Mr. Daniel Alan Martinez
  • Guest’s Speech – Mr. Andy Sugg, Mayor Blangiardi’s Chief of Staff
  • Kampai Toast – Ms. Elissa Lines, Executive Director, Retired, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum