Author and educator Carolyn Morinishi will present two craft workshops for kids relating to her latest book, Heroes - The Nisei Soldiers of World War II. The first craft session will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the second session from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, at the Hawaii Japanese Center.

Heroes covers the story of Nisei soldiers of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT) and Military Intelligence Service (MIS). The material includes historical articles along with related crafts, puzzles and activities geared for kids in the upper elementary/middle school level.

The book is the third in a series co-authored by Morinishi and her mother, Marian Kurasaki Kubota. Carolyn's late father was from Hilo. He volunteered for and trained with the 442nd RCT and later served with the MIS. Four of Carolyn's uncles also served in World War II. “We feel very strongly that the stories of these soldiers need to be told to the younger generation,” Morinishi says. “With each succeeding generation, the impact of these stories could get lost.” The last chapter of the book suggests ways that kids can help perpetuate the soldiers’ legacy, and the appendix lists books and websites for further reading and research. Both craft sessions are free and open to the public. Reservations are encouraged. Copies of Heroes – The Nisei Soldiers of World War II will be on sale for $20. A special “Go For Broke” soldiers pictorial postmark will also be available at the event, presented by the Stamp Our Story organization in coordination with the U.S. Postal Service. The special Nisei commemorative stamp features Shiroku “Whitey” Yamamoto, a Big Island soldier who hailed from Ninole. To reserve space in the crafts workshops please email the Hawaii Japanese Center at reservehjc@gmail.com, or call (808) 934-9611 for more information.

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