USS Oneida International Peace Memorial in Kosano Park, Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.
Pictures and text by Erich J. Ryland
The USS Oneida International Peace Memorial is located at Kosano Park, Yokosuka Naval Base Japan. This ground breaking of this memorial commenced on July 9, 2006 and finished October 31, 2006. The photographs were taken on September 24, 2008. The memorial represents the sinking of the USS Oneida and those sailors that perished along with the Japanese who contributed to helping with rescuing 61 sailors.
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This first group of photos show an overall view of the memorial in its environment at the park. As one looks at the memorial it seems unobtrusive to its surroundings. You would not know what the memorial is about by just looking at it; it almost looks like a nice sitting area and not a memorial at all. On the left side of photo (003) you can notice the ramp like walkway that is mentioned in the essay, also notice the crosses that are part of the wall structure. |
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This first group of photos show an overall view of the memorial in its environment at the park. As one looks at the memorial it seems unobtrusive to its surroundings. You would not know what the memorial is about by just looking at it; it almost looks like a nice sitting area and not a memorial at all. On the left side of photo (003) you can notice the ramp like walkway that is mentioned in the essay, also notice the crosses that are part of the wall structure. |
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This first group of photos show an overall view of the memorial in its environment at the park. As one looks at the memorial it seems unobtrusive to its surroundings. You would not know what the memorial is about by just looking at it; it almost looks like a nice sitting area and not a memorial at all. On the left side of photo (003) you can notice the ramp like walkway that is mentioned in the essay, also notice the crosses that are part of the wall structure. |
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An overall view of the center area with the two large angled memorial stones cased in water with the fountain or waterfall if you will, flowing out of them. Also you can notice in the upper area of the photo is the 'yin and yang' symbol. |
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A closer view of the center showing all the major elements of the memorial together, again the 'yin and yang' symbol. |
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A lower view of the center peace showing one of the angled memorial stones with the water flowing out. |
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A closer view of the center peace especially of one of the angled memorial stones with the flowing water. |
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A shot through one of the crosses embedded in the wall of the center area |
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A photo showing the plaques in there arrangements and again the 'yin and yang' symbol. |
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The story of the USS Oneida plaque, the inscription is as follows: "On January 24, 1870 the USS Oneida left Tokyo Bay, bound for the United States. About four miles due east of this point, she was rammed by the freighter "Bombay" and sank within fifteen minutes. Of the one hundred and seventy-six crew members onboard, only sixty-one Sailors survived. With the gracious help of the Japanese people, several of those lost were recovered from the sea. As Japan and the U.S. came together in the past, this Memorial brings together ancient Eastern and Western symbols to present the two nations, commemorate the international partnership between Japan and the U.S., past and present, and to honor the memory of the deceased Captain and the crew of the USS ONEIDA. May they rest in peace." |
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This plaque gives a history of the USS Oneida; along with a etching of the ship itself, the inscription is as follows: "The USS Oneida distinguished herself during the American Civil War and fought bravely in the New Orleans, Vicksburg and Mobile Bay Naval Battles. It was during the Mobile Bay Naval Battle where her heroic crew earned 8 Medals of Honor. During the Meiji Restoration she served the best interests of the United States and the Emperor of Japan by having a part in putting down a Warlord uprising near Osaka. This is dedicated to the 115 Sailors and Officers of the USS Oneida whose lives were lost in the service of their country. May her legacy continue to inspire all Sailors; past, present and future in the pursuit of freedom and international peace. Below is the etching of the ship and below that is the Bible verse, John 15:13. "Greater love has no one than this: To lay down one's life for his friends." Memorial maintained by Yokosuka Chief Petty Officer's Mess. Erected 2007 |
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This plaque gives the names of the crew members of the USS Oneida, an interesting note is the last name; 'Unknown-boy" it states. On the bottom is another Biblical verse; Matt 25:40 "In as much as you have done it unto these the least of my brothers." You have done it unto me… |
