Conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun and Celebration of Mr. Rex Thomas Ziak
2024/3/20
On Friday, March 15, 2024, our office held a ceremony in Astoria, OR to celebrate the awarding of the Order of the Rising Sun with Gold and silver Rays to Mr. Rex Thomas Ziak, who has contributed to the promotion of understanding of Japan in the United States and the friendship between Japan and the United States for many years. The event was held at the Barbey Maritime Center on the grounds of the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
In 2009, Mr. Ziak, along with his wife, Keiko, began the work of returning war trophies brought back by Allied soldiers during World War II to the families of fallen Japanese soldiers. In particular they focused their efforts on Yosegaki Hinomaru*, Japanese flags with handwritten notes carried by the soldiers. In 2015, they founded Obon 2015 (now known as Obon Society) and, to date, they have returned more than 720 Japanese flags to bereaved families in Japan.
Members of the Obon Society staff, supporters, family, and friends attended the ceremony to congratulate Mr. Ziak on receiving the award.
We, too, offer our deep thanks and congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ziak on the conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun.
*The "Yosegaki Hinomaru" is a Japanese flag with words and signatures written by family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc. expressing their wishes for "good luck, longevity, and a safe return from war. During World War II, these flags were carried as personal talismans by Japanese soldiers going into battle. Because of their light weight, these flags were often taken as trophies by Allied soldiers at the time.
In 2009, Mr. Ziak, along with his wife, Keiko, began the work of returning war trophies brought back by Allied soldiers during World War II to the families of fallen Japanese soldiers. In particular they focused their efforts on Yosegaki Hinomaru*, Japanese flags with handwritten notes carried by the soldiers. In 2015, they founded Obon 2015 (now known as Obon Society) and, to date, they have returned more than 720 Japanese flags to bereaved families in Japan.
Members of the Obon Society staff, supporters, family, and friends attended the ceremony to congratulate Mr. Ziak on receiving the award.
We, too, offer our deep thanks and congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ziak on the conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun.
*The "Yosegaki Hinomaru" is a Japanese flag with words and signatures written by family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc. expressing their wishes for "good luck, longevity, and a safe return from war. During World War II, these flags were carried as personal talismans by Japanese soldiers going into battle. Because of their light weight, these flags were often taken as trophies by Allied soldiers at the time.
