The Kailua Historical Society in coordination with the Kailua Public Library is pleased to present a panel discussion on World War II memories. This talk-story format, remembered by half a dozen of our kupuna, will feature the indelible impressions left from those 4 years of international conflict – first from the shots fired on the Windward side to the news about the surrender aboard the USS Missouri. Though children then, they can still recall the patrolled beaches, the racial tensions, the separated families, even the Italian prisoners of war.

The passage of 77 years since the 1941 attack has not erased the presence of war clouds settling in over these tranquil islands, with an urgency unparalleled in Pacific dramas and unforgotten in island lifestyles. Although they were mere children, unable to comprehend nor connect the big picture of world events, they could make enough sense of snapshots near at hand – barbed wire, bayonets, soldiers in uniform, blackouts, and gas masks. Change was in the air, carried on both the wings of planes and playground rumors. Kailua is fortunate, not only to have survived, but to still have survivors who can tell their stories of real and practical survival. Paul Brennan will moderate these octegenarians’ special experiences.

Program schedule is subject to change. Contact the library 7 days in advance to request a sign language interpreter or if special accommodations are needed.