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“The Legend of 1,000 Cranes comes from the idea that if
a person folds 1,000 cranes, their wish will be granted by the
gods,” said Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde, the substance abuse control
officer of Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd
Marine Regiment. “My goal is to spread the legend and make a
positive impact on people in my own way.”
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April 19, 2017 - Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde, the substance abuse
control officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd
Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, holds an origami crane that he
folded at building 267 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Esconde uses
origami as a way to make a positive impact in his local community.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella)
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The legend dates back to the 1700’s but it became more well-known
in the 1950’s when an 11-year-old Japanese girl named Sadako Sasaki
fought against leukemia due to radiation from the atomic bomb
dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. While in the hospital, she folded paper
cranes hoping the legend would help heal her.
Esconde, who
deployed to Okinawa, Japan in 2016, was inspired by Sasaki’s story
and thought he could put his hobby of origami to good use during his
time there. Over the 6-month deployment, he led the initiative to
fold and donate 3,000 cranes to local hospitals and a nursing home.
He not only made impact on the local people, but also passed on the
craft of origami to other Marines.
“[He] has made a positive
impact on me,” said Cpl. Blake Smith, an administrative specialist
with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. “I joined the Marine Corps to help
people and he showed me that there are many different ways to do
that. We need more staff non-commissioned officers to influence
Marines from both side of the spectrum – as warfighters when we’re
forward deployed but also to be good citizen while we are in
garrison.”
Now that Esconde has returned to Hawaii, he continues to spread
the Japanese legend.
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April 19, 2017 - Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde, the substance abuse
control officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd
Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, folds an origami crane with finished
ones on the table next to him at building 267 aboard Marine Corps
Base Hawaii. Esconde uses origami as a way to make a positive impact
in his local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella)
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“I recently donated 1,000 cranes to Hawaii United Okinawa
Association,” Esconde said. “They are going to use the
cranes in June in honor of the Battle of Okinawa.”
Jane Fujie Serikaku,
the executive director of the HUOA, accepted the donation from
Esconde on April 18. She said his contribution underscores the
relationship between the HUOA and the Marine Corps.
“Esconde
making these cranes himself, in the spirit of goodwill, is a very
special tribute and (positively reflects) himself and the Marine
Corps,” she said. “We are truly appreciative of all the support
offered by (our U.S. service members).”
In hopes to make a
positive impact on younger generations, Esconde has also supported
local events such as the Armed Services YMCA and Marine Corps
Community Services by teaching children about origami.
“Origami is a productive alternative for video games,” Esconde said.
“It’s a great activity that encourages kids to use their
imagination.”
When talking about what drives him to spread
his passion with others, he compares it to why most people join
the Marine Corps ... to make an impact.
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April 19, 2017 - A silhouette of Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde, the
substance abuse control officer with Headquarters and Service
Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, holding an origami
crane that he folded at building 267 aboard Marine Corps Base
Hawaii. Esconde uses origami as a way to make a positive impact in
his local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella)
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“I think Ronald Reagan summed it up perfectly, ‘Some
people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a
difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that
problem,’” Esconde said. “For me, it’s that intangible of
being able to make a difference - in my own way.”
Esconde has 18-months left in Hawaii and plans to continue
educating other service members, civilians and younger
generations of Sasaki’s story to continue enhancing and
bridging gaps between the military and other cultures.
“The spirit which Esconde diligently folded each
crane represents his heart and soul to personally make a
difference in how the military is perceived in the
community,” said Serikaku. “His understanding of the
symbolism of cranes and how he has chosen to reach out to
the hearts of others is truly admirable.”
By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brittney Vella
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
The U.S. Marines
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