Created in honor of regiments that were comprised of Japanese-Americans that fought in World War II, the Brothers in Valor Memorial has a deep connection to Hawaiian history as well as the community in the present. Located in Honolulu on Oahu, HI, the memorial showcases what it can mean to celebrate a legacy while also enabling unique experiences for residents and visitors.
Honoring Japanese Americans in Hawaii who Served in World War II
Dedicated in 1998, the Brothers in Valor Memorial honors the veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Military Intelligence Service, and the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion. Each of these regiments was comprised of Japanese Americans in Hawaii who served during World War II. The creation of the memorial was motived by the stories of Japanese-American soldiers who worked through prejudices of the era to serve their country.
Situated on a 5,100 square-foot site on Ft. DeRussy, the memorial is defined by a black-marble sculpture that was created by Honolulu artist Bumpei Akaji. It consists of four metal spikes reaching skyward, intertwined at the base that represent the four regiments. Markers on each of the four faces of the base detail the history of the four regiments.
Time capsules with scrolls listing the names of the soldiers who were killed in action are located across the green space. Additionally, markers list the members of the four units as well as the donors who made the monument possible. The icons associated with each regiment are both distinct and memorable.
Created thanks to a combination of city funds and private donations, the Brothers in Valor Memorial provides a powerful identity for an otherwise plain green space, cultivating interest from both residents and visitors. This celebration of a uniquely Hawaiian legacy has physically transformed the space while also providing benefits to the community in ways that resonate across the eras.
A Legacy of Multiple Eras and Audiences
Memorials of all types positively define otherwise empty parks, while many other uniquely honor veterans. The Brothers in Valor Memorial does both in a way that ensures the monument will make an essential connection to the past for audiences in the present and future.
