J. R. Kealoha

Unveiling a Forgotten Hero: J. R. Kealoha

Imagine stepping into the hallowed grounds of Oʻahu Cemetery in Honolulu, where history whispers through the rustling leaves and the gentle breeze carries tales from another era. Among these stories lies that of J. R. Kealoha, a Native Hawaiian who fought valiantly in the American Civil War, only to be forgotten for over a century.

The Call to Arms

During the tumultuous years of 1862-1865, J. R. Kealoha, along with other Hawaiian soldiers, answered the call to serve in the Union Army as part of the 41st USCT (United States Colored Troops). Enlisting under the banner of the 41st Regiment, Kealoha joined a group of men who were not only fighting for their own freedom but also for the preservation of the United States.

A Battlefield Witness

Kealoha’s journey took him to the siege of Petersburg and eventually to the historic Battle of Appomattox Court House, where he witnessed one of the most significant moments in American history—the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. This event marked not just a turning point in the war but also a pivotal moment for Kealoha, who had fought alongside his fellow soldiers to see it through.

A Return Home

After the war’s end, J. R. Kealoha returned to Hawaiʻi, where he lived out the remainder of his days until March 5, 1877. His grave remained unmarked for 137 years, a silent testament to the often-overlooked contributions of Native Hawaiian soldiers during this pivotal period in American history.

The Unveiling Ceremony

On October 25, 2014, J. R. Kealoha’s story was finally given a voice when a group of historians and preservationists dedicated a marker to his honor at Oʻahu Cemetery. Dressed in period costumes, members of the Hawaiʻi Civil War Round Table participated in the ceremony, which included military honors, a gun salute, and Hawaiian minister Kahu Silva presiding over the event.

The marker is inscribed with Kealoha’s name, regiment, death date, and text in both Hawaiian and English. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Native Hawaiians during the Civil War and their enduring legacy.

A Legacy of Forgotten Heroes

Hawaiian veterans like J. R. Kealoha are honored alongside other Civil War heroes in Honolulu’s National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, where a bronze memorial plaque was erected in 2010 to commemorate their service.

Researchers have identified over 100 documented Hawaiians who served in both Union and Confederate forces during the war. However, due to record-keeping issues, the exact number remains uncertain. Kealoha is the only Hawaiian combatant buried in Hawaii whose gravesite is known, representing those men of Hawaii who took up arms but were forgotten.

Remembering the Forgotten

The dedication ceremony for J. R. Kealoha’s marker was a powerful reminder that every hero deserves to be remembered and honored. It serves as a beacon, shining light on the often-overlooked contributions of Native Hawaiians during one of America’s most significant conflicts.

As we reflect on the stories of J. R. Kealoha and other forgotten heroes, let us remember that their sacrifices are a part of our shared history. Their bravery and dedication remind us of the importance of honoring all those who have served, no matter how long it takes to recognize them.