HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0952.001 1998-2000
Good Morning, Mr. Chairman and Ladies/Gentlemen of the
Council. RECEWM 'N
Y
County Counci7r
My name is Gil Sampaia and I am President of the Big Island
Retired Military Association.
I am here this morning, on behalf of Mrs. Sally Morikawa, a former
resident of Hilo and currently living in Jamestown, N.D., who
wishes to donate a park bench in memory of her late husband,
Manubu Morikawa, better known at "Mori". I want to briefly tell
you about Mori.
Mori was born on Maui in 1920 to immigrant Japanese parents;
attended school on Kona, and was working construction in
Honolulu at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He
immediately joined the famous 442"d battalion which
served in Europe and was the most decorated unit in World War 11.
Mori would go on to spend 31 years in the Army - becoming a
veteran of not only WWII, but of the Korean Conflict, and Viet
Nam. 952 • QD/
Comm. No.
File No. drat T
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Ref. Date OCT 17- 2000
It is because of Mori's firm belief in duty, honor and love of his
country that Sally, wants to honor his service through this
memorial.
The bench is on order - will be placed at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis
Stadium entrance - a memorial plaque will be installed on the bench.
BIRMA anticipates holding a Memorial Ceremony for Mori at the
Park Bench on Veterans' Day, Nov 11', if the bench arrives in time.
We extend our invitation to all of you to attend.
Again, thank you for allowing me to come here this morning.