Ring Your Bell for Peace Day
In celebration of Peace Day, Monday, September 21, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii invites the world to join in a mass ringing of bells—virtually and in real life. Anyone with a bell and a cellphone or other device can be part of the global event.
A brief program of music and reflection begins at 11:45 a.m. HST, led by Bishop Eric Matsumoto, followed by one minute of silence, to honor all those who have sacrificed for the achievement of peace. At 12:01 p.m., bells will ring out for five minutes, from temples, churches, schools, community organizations, homes, and favorite places across the islands and the planet.
Bell-ringers will play simultaneously via Zoom, and the program will also be live-streamed on Facebook Live on KTUH’s page. Young people are particularly encouraged to participate. Advance registration is requested online at www.hongwanjihawaii.com,or by contacting event organizer Rene Mansho, renemansho@hawaii.rr.com, 808-291-6151.
Essay writing contests announced by VFW Hawaii
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii (VFW-HI) is sponsoring its annual statewide (to include American Samoa) essay writing contests for eligible public and private school students. The deadline to submit an entry to a local VFW post is Oct. 31, 2020.
The Patriot’s Pen contest is open to sixth to eight-grade students enrolled in a public or private school as of Oct. 1, 2020. This year’s theme is, “What is Patriotism to Me?” Essays must be 300-400 words in length, typed in English with no color or graphics. Entries will be judged on knowledge of the theme (30 points max); theme development (35 points max) and clarity of ideas (35 points max). The local winner will be awarded $400 and be eligible to compete at the national level with prizes up to $5,000.
The Voice of Democracy contest is open to eligible 9-12th grade students in public or private schools. The theme, “Is This The Country Our Founders Envisioned?” Entries must be recorded on an audio CD or flash drive and be 3-5 minutes in length. Entries will be judged on originality (30 points max); content (35 points max); and delivery (35 points max). The entry must be submitted to a local VFW Post by Oct 31, 2020. Local winner will receive $500 and be eligible to compete at the national level with prizes up to $15,000.
For more information, call or text Wayne Yoshioka, VFW-HI public affairs coordinator at (808) 342-6565. The VFW-HI adjutant is also available and can be reached at (808) 946-7250.