83rd Anniversary Banquet and "The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" Film Trailer Premiere

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, veterans, Club 100 members, families, friends, and community leaders came together at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) Clubhouse for a banquet celebrating the 83rd anniversary of the battalion’s formation. The 100th, mostly men from Hawaiʻi, was the vanguard, first segregated Americans of Japanese ancestry (AJA) unit to see combat in Europe during World War II. These men, serving as part of the multi-ethnic, Hawaii National Guard under U.S. Army command, were segregated just because they looked like the enemy that attacked Pearl Harbor. The 100th’s training and combat record would lead to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team joining them in combat 9 months later. Together, they would become the most decorated in US military history for its size and length of service.

Everyone enjoyed seeing 100th veterans, Dr. Takashi Manago (100th Bn, Co. A) and Mr. Masaharu Saito (100th Bn, Co. B). We were also happy to see 100th widows, Mrs. Chieko Fujita [Hisami Fujita (100th Bn, Co. B)], Mrs. Jeanette Akamine [Bernard Akamine (100th Bn, Co. B)], Mrs. Kazue Sato [Robert Tomiya Sato (100th Bn, Co. A)], and Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Tamashiro [Harold Tamashiro (100th Bn, HQ Co.)].

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) 83rd Anniversary Banquet, held on June 28 in Honolulu.

President Kathi Hayashi shared good news about how Club 100 is working to spread the word of the 100th. The song written by Howard High, President of the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) called “One Puka Puka Leads the Way,” was played, honoring the 100th.

Mahalo to Governor Josh Green, M.D., for the following letter of recognition of the 100th Infantry Battalion, which reads in part:

"On this occasion, we pause to honor the extraordinary legacy of the 100th Infantry Battalion - an elite unit forged in valor, duty, and sacrifice. To the veterans of the 100th, past and present, I offer my profound gratitude. Your unwavering dedication, patriotism, and courage in the face of adversity have left an indelible mark on our nation's history. You answered the call to serve with honor, even when your loyalty was questioned at home. On distant battlefields during World War II, you nobly fought together, and stood shoulder to shoulder, defending the ideals of freedom and democracy. The sacrifices of those who did not return are not forgotten. We honor their memory and mourn their loss, knowing that their courage helped shape the nation that we are today."

Letter in Recognition of the 100th Infantry Battalion on its 83rd Anniversary, received from Governor Josh Green, M.D.

Our keynote speaker, filmmaker Steve Sue of Project Shaka by ID8, shared his vision for the film, “The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha,” which is now in production. He surprised attendees with an emotional unveiling of the first trailer for this powerful new documentary, underscored by an original song written and performed by legendary songwriter Harold Payne, titled, “They Gave Their All.”

"The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" film funding trailer, shown at the 100th IBV 83rd Anniversary Banquet.

In a surprise moment, Club 100 President Kathi Hayashi presented a $25,000 donation to ID8 on behalf of the organization, marking a significant first step in funding this ambitious storytelling project.

“This generous support from Club 100 doesn’t just fund a film,” said filmmaker Steve Sue. “It honors a legacy of sacrifice and aloha—and helps ensure the story of the 100th continues to inspire generations.”

The 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Board, on behalf of its members, unanimously approved the donation to achieve the film’s goal, “to preserve and share the stories of resilience, unity, and love that defined the 100th Infantry Battalion, all through the lens of Hawai‘i’s unique cultural values."

To learn more about this this meaningful project honoring the legacy and sacrifice of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, or to support “The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha,” please visit: https://100thfilm.com/

It was an emotional day reflecting and appreciating our 100th patriarchs for their sacrifices for us and future generations.

Mahalo to our honored and special guests, 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry Regiment (9th MSC USAR) color guard, program participants, attendees, supporters, banquet committee members, and volunteers for helping us to continue to remember and honor the legacy of the 100th Infantry Battalion.