Corpus Christi – A flag donated to the USS Lexington Museum in 1994 was recently identified as belonging to a Japanese soldier named Shigeyoshi Mutsuda, killed in action during World War II. Known as Yosegaki Hinomaru, or Good Luck Flags, these types of flags were signed by family and friends of Japanese service members prior to leaving home for war. For Japanese families, the Good Luck Flags are often all that remains of their loved ones killed in action, and the return of the flag is seen as the return of their family member’s remains.

USS Lexington Museum is working in partnership with the OBON SOCIETY to repatriate the flag back to Japan for the flag to be reunited with the soldier’s surviving family members. OBON SOCIETY is a non-profit organization that over the past 13 years has repatriated more than 500 flags back to Japanese families and communities. The organization’s founders, Rex and Keiko Ziak, will act as representatives of the family to bring their long-lost patriarch home, including a ceremonial reuniting with his wife who recently passed at the age of 102. Representatives from OBON Society and the USS Lexington Museum will then accompany the flag on its journey back to Japan and the family.

The Good Luck Flag Repatriation Ceremony will take place aboard the USS Lexington Museum on Thursday, July 20th, at 9:00am.

This ceremony is open to the public.

WHAT: Japanese Good Luck Flag Repatriation Ceremony

WHERE: USS Lexington Museum – Hangar Bay

WHEN: Thursday, July 20, 9:00 am

Click Here to Download the Media Kit


ABOUT VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI:

Visit Corpus Christi is a state and national award-winning 501c6 Destination Management Organization contracted by the city of Corpus Christi with a mission to create a better community by sharing Corpus Christi with the world. The organization is primarily funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) paid by visitors while staying overnight in hotels and short-term rentals. Visit Corpus Christi also has a non-profit foundation that supports the hospitality and tourism industry via education programs, raising and providing funding to individuals and businesses during times of need through the Visit CC Cares program.

For more information go to visitcorpuschristi.com.

ABOUT USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM:

The nation’s longest-serving World War II Essex Class aircraft carrier, USS Lexington is a valuable national treasure having played a significant role in the nation’s defense for nearly 50 years. In 1992, USS Lexington arrived in Corpus Christi and has since served as a naval aviation museum, educational facility, and popular area tourist attraction. The USS Lexington Museum strives to instill pride and patriotism in the public, particularly the youth, through displays, ceremonies, and educational programs that emphasize the heroism and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. military. Visit usslexington.com for more information.

ABOUT OBON SOCIETY:

OBON SOCIETY, located in Astoria, Oregon, is a non-profit humanitarian effort dedicated to the pursuit of peace by healing veterans and their families through personal connections. OBON has repatriated more than 500 flags back to Japan’s families and communities. They work with a staff of 575 volunteers and are currently working on more than 900 items that will hopefully be returned to Japan. They can be reached at: http://obonsociety.org, contact@obonsociety.org.