On Sunday, April 26, 2009, I attended the Hongwanji Mission School 60th Birthday Celebration from 3:00 P.M. until about 5:45 P.M. They had student performances from preschool to grade 8. They performed songs, drama, taiko, and band music.
My cousin Sereny Suzuki’s son Ryder Suzuki performed with preschool students a Japanese song “Don Na Iro Ga Suki”. Her husband Beau and daughter Chloe was also there. I saw a number a familiar faces and friends I haven’t seen in awhile at the event.
At the peace pole ceremony and tree dedication, Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, Rep. Corinne Ching and I presented Senate and House certificates respectively. We said a few words each. I mentioned how the Hongwanji Mission School, in addition to teaching educational tools such as math, English, and science, it teaches compassion and peace, which is very, very important for the kids. It was at peace pole ceremony, I waved to my little second cousin Chloe and I saw my cousin Sereny.
We ate Hawaiian food and enjoyed ourselves. It was a very good event. Tanoshikata.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 