HONOLULU (KHON2) — Today, Aug. 18, Hawaii welcomed four orphaned children from Japan, a longstanding tradition of promoting cultural exchange and international peace.
As a result of World War II, Master Sgt. Hugh O’Reilly and a group of Hawaii-based soldiers adopted the Osaka orphanage as an act to promote peace and understanding.
This tradition has lasted over the past 76 years and continues to be the longest-running military-civilian partnership in U.S. Army history.
Today, the tradition continued. The 27th Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Wolfhounds,” and Peace Bridge, welcomed four new orphaned children from Osaka for a two-week stay.
This visit provides a special, culturally immersive experience for these children that continues to strengthen the historic bond between Hawaii and Japan.
The Holy Family Home orphans, Umi, Kanami, Ryota and Ryuki were greeted homecoming-style with leis and aloha by their host families and community members.
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Peace Bridge is a nonprofit dedicated to continuing the legacy of Master Sgt. Hugh O’Reilly and the Wolfhounds 27th Infantry Regiment at Schofield. The organization is dedicated to supporting the orphans at the Holy Family Home