HANAPEPE — Even as people had a day off from work, people were paying the ultimate price for the freedom that allowed Americans to enjoy Memorial Day. Captain Aaron Cudnohufsky and William Honjiyo, both speaking at the annual Memorial Day
HANAPEPE — Even as people had a day off from work, people were paying the ultimate price for the freedom that allowed Americans to enjoy Memorial Day.
Captain Aaron Cudnohufsky and William Honjiyo, both speaking at the annual Memorial Day service coordinated by the Marine Corps League, touched on this aspect Monday at the Hanapepe Kaua‘i Veterans’ Cemetery.
This is the high cost of freedom, said Cudnohufsky, commander of the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility in Mana.
He said people pay the price of freedom daily, and while we can enjoy a day off from work, get together with family for cookouts, we need to remember those who have paid the price so we are able to enjoy.
Cudnohufsky said he grew up in a small town and serving as the PMRF leader for three years, he was reminded of the services he attended while growing up, and will take the memories of attending the Memorial Day services in Hanapepe with him.
Captain Nicholas Mongillo will be replacing Cudnohufsky in formal change-of-command ceremonies at the base north of Kekaha on June 4.
Honjiyo, echoing Cudnohufsky’s sentiments on the significance of Memorial Day, added the price Hanapepe, a small town which hosts the veterans cemetery, paid and is paying for freedom as many of its own sons and daughters lost their lives so others could enjoy freedom.
Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. also expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices of veterans and their families.
In the absence of the high-school bands due to school being let out last week, Carvalho took the microphone and rendered an a cappella version of “America the Beautiful,” many of those gathered joining in as the mayor hit the chorus.
The closing of school before Memorial Day did not result in an anticipated shortage of lei for graves as the Boy Scouts from Troops 83, 148 and 343 made sure each grave was decorated with an American flag, a red poppy and a lei.
Major Victor Aguilar, head of the Waimea High School JROTC unit, also had his cadets participating as the color guard did the honors along with the saber unit and the unit bugler rending “Taps,” a signal for Teddy Daligdig to release the flock of white doves that did two circles around the cemetery before winging off into the distance.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
