HONOLULU (KHON2) — Today, Aug. 18, Hawaii welcomed four orphaned children from Japan, a longstanding tradition of promoting cultural exchange and international peace.

As a result of World War II, Master Sgt. Hugh O’Reilly and a group of Hawaii-based soldiers adopted the Osaka orphanage as an act to promote peace and understanding.

This tradition has lasted over the past 76 years and continues to be the longest-running military-civilian partnership in U.S. Army history.

Today, the tradition continued. The 27th Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Wolfhounds,” and Peace Bridge, welcomed four new orphaned children from Osaka for a two-week stay.

“As Wolfhounds, we are known for being ferocious in battle and compassionate in peace. The children of the Holy Family Home embody the spirit of compassion, and we are privileged to be your gentle Wolfhounds. Our commitment to this bond is just as strong today as it was decades ago. We will not allow this cherished connection to fade,” Lt. Col. “Teddy” Borawski, 1^st Battalion Commander, said.

This visit provides a special, culturally immersive experience for these children that continues to strengthen the historic bond between Hawaii and Japan.

The Holy Family Home orphans, Umi, Kanami, Ryota and Ryuki were greeted homecoming-style with leis and aloha by their host families and community members.

“Our mission is to sustain and grow upon this tradition of aloha between Hawaii and the children of Japan. What happened 75 years ago continues to this day. This conveys an important message for us all, of peace and aloha. A legacy we honor and embrace. a tradition which we will share for generations to come,” Rika Hirata, President of Peace Bridge, said.

Peace Bridge is a nonprofit dedicated to continuing the legacy of Master Sgt. Hugh O’Reilly and the Wolfhounds 27^th Infantry Regiment at Schofield. The organization is dedicated to supporting the orphans at the Holy Family Home