CFAY Memorial Day highlights Oneida Memorial
Story and photo by Greg Mitchell, CFAY Public Affairs


MAC (SW) Pamela Almozon kneels down by the USS Oneida International Peace Memorial stone located at Kosano Park, Yokosuka Naval Base Japan to read the enscribed text upon the conclusion of the 2012 Memorial Day celebration honoring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to our nation.

Sailors, Marines and distinguished guests attended a Memorial Day ceremony at the USS Oneida International Peace Memorial in Kosano Park on board Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) May 28.

“Today I would like to thank you for attending this event and remembering the true meaning of Memorial Day,” said CFAY Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Owen. “We are here to honor our fallen comrades. We understand that on Memorial Day we honor the ideals and values those soldiers stood for and died defending.”

Erected in 2007 by the Yokosuka Chief Petty Officer’s Mess, the memorial pays respect to the USS Onieda and those that perished along with the Japanese who contributed to helping with rescuing 61 Sailors Jan. 24, 1870.
It was on that fateful day that the Onieda left Tokyo Bay, heading towards the United States. Approximately 4 miles out east, the ship encountered a collision with the British steamer (freighter) “Bombay”, then proceeded to sink in approximately 15 minutes. The Bombay made no attempt to aid the stricken ship and proceeded to leave the area.

In all, there were a total of 176 crew members onboard; only 61 Sailors survived the accident. Those that survived were rescued by Japanese fishing boats. There was no attempt by the United States to erect the wreck and soon after, sold the ship to a Japanese wrecking company. Once the company had the ship in its possession, its employees recovered several bones of the bodies and interred them at their own expense.

A memorial tablet was erected on the grounds of Ikegami Temple in Tokyo, where a Buddhist ceremony was conducted to pay respects to the fallen.

“Let us not forget that we are able to enjoy the liberties we have because of the brave Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines who have died protecting our country and what it stood for,” said Capt. Owen. “They died defending a way of life that they felt was worth dying for.”
There were some in attendance that were actually surprised that the connection between the U.S. Navy and the Japanese went that far back.

“What was said today, that I was not totally aware of was, that the connection between the United States Navy and Japan has been here well before, said Chief Master-at-Arms (SW) Pamela Almozon. “Today I learned a lot by listening to the speeches and the history and so forth.”

After the color guard arrived, wreaths were laid by the Marine Corps in front of the angled memorial stones, one of which tells the history of the ship while the other gives the names of each of the crew members.
It was an honor to be able to participate during today’s event,” said Chief Yeoman (SW/AW) Lakeisha Harris. “To memorialize our fallen comrades, some of which gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Owen said that the day was also one in which we should all pay respects to the current men and women in the military who are sacrificing their lives for our safety and still honoring the country.

“Each individual is continually being driven as those before to protect freedom, family, love and life,” said Owen. “On this day, what is important is that Memorial Day is not about division, it is about unity; unity to observe those of the past, present and future, cherishing all that has been given and all that will continue to come.”