Remember Our Veterans

Kathleen Hayashi, President and Education Chair, 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans

in ,

I’m honored to write a column about “veterans,” a word that brings tears to my eyes. My brother, Capt. Edwin Hayashi, was killed in a C-130 plane crash during the Vietnam era. He didn’t make it back to be a “veteran.” Veterans are survivors.

Kathleen Hayashi and Dr. Takashi Manago, a
WWII veteran, celebrated his 101st birthday.

When I spoke to the Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 858 recently, they sobbed as I shared how villagers in Italy and France still remember, after more than 80 years, how the Japanese American units of the 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team liberated them during WWII. These heroes were a segregated army unit comprised of second-generation Japanese Americans, mostly from Hawai‘i.

Vietnam veterans say all they want is to be remembered with honor, as well. Veterans from every war ask to be remembered for the sacrifices they made — for themselves, and for those left behind.

My father was a member of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans from Hawai‘i. It’s our organization’s mission to keep their legacy alive and honor the few still living — like 101-year-old Dr. Takashi Manago, one of only six known living veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion. My next column will honor him.

100th INFANTRY BATTALION VETERANS
520 Kamoku St. Honolulu, HI 96826
For more information:
info@100thbattalion.org | 808-946-0272

Comments

3 responses to “Remember Our Veterans”

  1. Tim Nigro Avatar
    Tim Nigro

    Hi Kathleen,
    I was living in AR when your brother was killed. My father was flying C-130’s as well and had commented about what a great instructor pilot your brother was only about 2 weeks before the accident. I was only 12 at the time and it made me realize how ultimate sacrifice feels. He said said there wasn’t a question about C-130’s your brother could not answer.

    Reply
    1. Kathi Avatar
      Kathi

      Hi Tim
      Thank you for writing and for the kind words shared by your father about my brother. He was awesome – smart, funny and kind. I miss him and remember the gut punch of September 8, 1978. I have utmost respect and appreciation for anyone who takes the enlistment oath to protect the values America stand for. Let no one erase our Country’s history.

      I hope your father is in good health. Please thank him for his service.

      Please email me at info@100thibv.org
      Would love to share more about the Hawaii-born, American of Japanese ancestry unit. They would become . with the 442nd RCT, the most decorated in US Military history.

      https://www.100thibv.org/post/100th-infantry-battalion-story

      Reply
    2. Karisse Sakahara Avatar
      Karisse Sakahara

      Wow, Kathleen’s brother is my uncle. I always loved hearing stories about him, and seeing photos of him always made me tear up and smile. Thank you for sharing this memory. Our family is so grateful to know others admired him, too.

      Reply

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