August Page One
PSp[ecial Report by David Campbell

Japanese Americans have played a pivotal role in building our region’s economy and nourishing its cultural diversity. Until 30 years ago, one piece of that historic legacy, tucked away in a corner of Eatonville Cemetery, lay virtually forgotten and overgrown with weeds. Very few people knew this was the final resting place of Japanese American lumber mill workers and their loved ones. However, a Boy Scout troop from the Tacoma Buddhist Temple resolved to rescue this treasure. So after lovingly restoring the grounds, the troop placed a plaque to commemorate their notable act of compassion and respect. Thereafter, for the past thirty years members of the sangha have visited the cemetery to perform maintenance and participate in Obon cemetery service. This year on July 8, Frank Kawasaki, Ted Tamaki, Gene Dogen, Herb Saito, Frank Mizukami and David Campbell employed rakes, weed eaters, and leaf blowers to spruce up the Japanese-American section of the cemetery. After the maintenance, Rev. Kosho Yukawa led the group in the service. Obon cemetery service was also conducted at the Orting cemetery.