Our Story
In 1949, during the post WW2 occupation of Japan, a group of Hawaii-based soldiers led by
MSGT Hugh O’Reilly were introduced to the Holy Family Home orphanage in Osaka.
Appalled by the conditions the children were living under, O’Reilly ‘passed the hat’ on every payday to feed and clothe the children.
Eventually they raised enough money to build a new orphanage.
This is how the U.S. Army “Wolfhounds” came to adopt the Holy Family Home.The pass-the-hat tradition carries on today, for more than 70 years!
The story was told in national magazines, television, books, and eventually was made into the Columbia pictures movie, “Three Stripes in the Sun.”Americans nationwide were inspired as the country forged a new peace with Japan.
In 1957,
a new tradition began.
Several children from the orphanage were flown to Hawaii for a trip-of-a-lifetime experience. Greeted by soldiers and local dignitaries, the children would spend two weeks enjoying family life and the Aloha of Hawaii.
Through deployments in Korea and Viet Nam, the tradition endured. The men continued to raise money and ensured that the annual trip to Hawaii happened for the children. Each year, 2 to 4 children experienced this life-changing event.
Even after his retirement from the army, MSGT O’Reilly continued to work with the Wolfhounds to ensure that this incredible legacy endured.
In 1992 O’Reilly turned to a Japanese national, Mr. Akio Aoyama for help. Mr. Aoyama donated money each year to support this important legacy as a symbol of America’s close relationship with the people of Japan.
His generous donation ensured that each year children would be able to visit Hawaii and that every child at the Holy Family Home received gifts at Christmas.
Upon the passing of MSGT O’Reilly in 2007,
Peace Bridge, a Hawaii 501(c)3 non-profit, was formed to continue and grow upon this legacy of peace and love for the children of the Holy Family Home.
