Photo By Heather Johnson | The cornerstone burial ceremony is a traditional way to pray for permanent firmness...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - Col. David P. Olszowy, commanding officer, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, Okinawa government officials and more than 100 guests attended and participated in a ceremonial burial of a cornerstone at Okukubi Dam, Central Training Area, Feb. 26.
The guests gave speeches at the beginning of the ceremony, followed by the ritual burial of a cornerstone into the base of the dam. The 220-pound black stone was 21.65 inches long, 13.77 wide and 7.87 inches high. It was carved at a shop in Naha and later transported to the site. The cornerstone burial ceremony is a traditional way to pray for permanent firmness and security for new and rebuilt constructions; in this case, the newly-built Okukubi Dam.
“Today’s ceremony is an important event for the Marine Corps, the people of Kin Town and the local area,” said Olszowy. “The dam is going to provide water for irrigation of crops, flood protection, and help spur the economy here in Kin District.”
The ceremony signified its completion after 40 years of work. The facility is projected to hold 7.6 million cubic meters of water once running at full capacity and is expected to be an economic benefit to the community and the people of the area.
“This project was only possible because of the combined efforts of the different organizations — the Marine Corps being one of them,” said Satoru Arakaki, vice director of North Dam Construction Office, the organization responsible for oversight of the dam.” It’s an honor to have their presence here for such an event.”
Laying the cornerstone took place in four parts. In the two initial parts, Chintei and Imigote, the stone was set in place and mortar was poured and rolled to set it in place. Olszowy was given the honor of participating in Imigote alongside Okinawa government officials.
“It is truly an honor for me to be included in today’s ceremony,” said Olszowy. “It was an impressive ceremony and a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. I think this is a good omen for the construction of the dam.”
During the third phase, called Imizuchi, the four corners of the stone were pounded with wooden hammers to pray for the construction to stay on the right track.
In the final element of the ceremony, Maino, concrete was poured from a truck into the opening where the stone was set as the participants opened a suspended ball of confetti and yelled "banzai” to conclude the event. Afterwards, attendees and guests shook hands and thanked one another for their participation.
“The United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Bases Japan are pleased to be partners in this important project, and we hope the construction of the dam and its associated projects will move forward quickly and safely,” said Olszowy.
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2011 02:43 |
| Story ID: | 66455 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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