BY SHAYNA COLEON DECKER – Central Pacific Bank will debut a new display today focusing on the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) of World War II or the “Purple Heart Battalion,” in observance of Veterans Day. The new display is part of its Honoring the Legacy exhibition at its Main Branch (220 S. King Street, Honolulu). Branch hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed this Thursday, November 11). Admission is free. For more information, the public can call (808) 544-0500.
The Legacy exhibit honors the World War II veterans from the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service and the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion. Last month, President Obama signed a bill that awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, to the more than 13,000 Japanese-American World War II veterans.
“This new exhibit depicts an inspiring American story of courage, loyalty, and perseverance,” said John Dean, Executive Chairman of Central Pacific Bank. “We hope to remind our community of this unique part of Hawaii’s history that directly touched the lives of our company’s founders.”
Organized by the members of the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) Legacy Organization, the new display shows how these men not only had to fight enemies but prejudice, said Mimi Nakano, daughter of the late Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Shizuya Hayashi – a member of Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate).
“Their efforts exceeded military expectations and opened the doors of opportunity for all of us,” Nakano said. “We are thankful that CPB gave us the opportunity to share this unique, patriotic story in commemoration of Veterans Day.”
The 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) was comprised mostly of Nisei (second generation Japanese-American) soldiers. The battalion was activated in June 1942 as a “Separate” unit, signifying the battalion was an orphan outfit, unattached to a regiment or any larger unit. From training camp to the battlefield, the new display follows the steps of this brave group that came to be one of the most decorated military units for its size and length of service in the history of the United States. Memorabilia, photographs and veterans are featured in the exhibit.
Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a Hawaii-based bank holding company with $4.2 billion in assets. Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 35 branches, over 120 ATMs, and a residential mortgage subsidiary in the state of Hawaii. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at https://www.centralpacificbank.com. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER. MEMBER FDIC.
Shayna Coleon Decker is in Corporate Communications at CPB