For two hours on the evening of September 20, 2013, those attending the 2013 Peace Day Interfaith Celebration joined with relatives of Sadako Sasaki, students from Pacific Buddhist Academy (PBA), YBA, and members of other faith traditions for a moving and memorable evening of performances and remarks promoting peace.

The event was emceed by Dustin Iwasaki and Kaycie Moribe of the Federation of Jr. YBAs and opened with an address by Robert Cody, PBA’s new Head of School, and an oli by Ms. Lehua Matsuoka. Leading up to a performance of an original song composed and sung by Yuji Sasaki (Sadako’s nephew) and remarks by Masahiro Sasaki (Sadako’s brother), representatives of various faith traditions offered reflections and students and choirs offered musical selections, including:

• an invocation Bishop Stephen Randolph Sykes Inclusive Orthodox Church
• a reflection by Rev. Tatsuo Muneto, Chief Minister, Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
• a performance by PBA’s taiko group, Hyaku Sen Ki Kai Taiko
• a reflection by Ms. Vicki Lepick, Head of Religious Education, St. Andrew’s Priory
• the song “Namaste” by Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church Choir
• a reflection by Rev. Sam Domingo, Pastor, Kilohana United Methodist Church
• a reflection by Ms. Masago Asai, Secretary, Hawaii Conference of Religions for Peace
• the song “Let it Begin With Me” by Pacific Buddhist Academy Students
• a reflection by Rev. Timothy Mason, Senior Pastor, Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church
• a reflection by Dr. Pat Masters, President, Hawaii Association of International Buddhists
• the song “Where Peaceful Waters Flow” by the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Choir
• a reflection by Father Sal Aguilera, Chaplain, United States Navy, JBPHH

Following the song and remarks by Yuji and Masahiro Sasaki, attendees were treated to a performance by Brandi Yamamoto, Past President Federation of Jr. YBAs, who sang Nada Sou Sou.

To conclude the event, Dharma School students lit candles held by attendees during a performance of “What a Wonderful World,” sung by PBA students Brandon Nitta and Candis Imanaka. After a closing call for peace by Rev. Kyle Lovett, Pastor at Church of the Crossroads (United Church of Christ), all assembled sang Hawaii Aloha. As they left, they carried with them a spirit of peace nurtured by the 2013 Peace Day Interfaith Celebration.