HANAPEPE — Several hundred people paused Sunday morning to pay thank and honor veterans at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery, in the echo of the public address system announcing the Pop Warner football games at Hanapepe Stadium. “We’re here just to
HANAPEPE — Several hundred people paused Sunday morning to pay thank and honor veterans at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery, in the echo of the public address system announcing the Pop Warner football games at Hanapepe Stadium.
“We’re here just to do a short visit, offer a pule, and we’ll be on our way before the service begins,” said Jack Wilhelm, leading a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who rumbled into the avenue of flags set up for the Veterans Day Service. The motorcycle riders, many of whom are veterans, spread out among the flag-decorated graves.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie, in a message delivered by his Kaua‘i liaison Wanda Shibata, said America is built on the achievements and the sacrifices of veterans.
“Generation after generation, you have stood proud to protect, defend and preserve the principles and ideals that define our freedom and democracy,” Abercrombie’s message said. “You have displayed patriotism, dedication and a willingness to sacrifice for the protection of the United States and for the future of Hawai‘i’s keiki, kupuna ‘ohana, and the many cultures which Hawai‘i represents.”
Capt. Nicholas Mongillo, in praising the work and efforts being done by the volunteers and service organizations to create a memorable Veterans Day, said that although the Kaua‘i Veterans Council is paying tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps — the Devil Dogs — on its 237th birthday, the nation needs all of the armed forces for the work each branch does.
Norberto Garcia, the Kaua‘i Veterans Council commander and a Marine, said this year’s service featured several new facets. That included the appearance of the Brothers in Arms, a group of veterans and their families who dropped off a supply of floral arrangements for those who needed offerings for graves.
Garcia also led a moment of silence in remembrance of the recent passing of veterans, including Marilyn Keogh, Ricky Tomacder and Manny Corregedore. The event was made memorable by the playing of bagpipes by Kaua‘i pipers at the close of the wreath-laying ceremony. The waning notes of “Amazing Grace” prefaced the playing of “Taps” by Waimea High School Junior ROTC buglers.
“Veterans Day is such a solemn day,” said Congresswoman-elect Tulsi Gabbard in her remarks. “It gives us the opportunity to remember, thank and honor all those who have worn the uniform, including those who couldn’t join us today, like Bill Honjiyo, Manny Corregedore, and my good friend from the Big Island, George Mukai.”
Gabbard said that after her election to Congress, she has been asked if she will continue to wear her uniform.
“I am so proud to wear the uniform and am in awe to be standing here in front of you,” Gabbard said. “Somehow, there is a perception that members of Congress shouldn’t wear the uniform, or I should be giving this up because I’m moving on to another part of my life, but I refuse to do so. I’ll wear it for as long as they’ll have me.”
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said the veterans deserve more than just a thank you from people. He outlined several benefits, including the expansion of the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery and other improvements, including the installation of two new collumbarium which increases the cemetery by 192 new niches. Several of the new niches already bore American flags of tribute fluttering in the brisk tradewinds.
“The debt we owe our veterans and their families can never be fully repaid,” said U.S. Sen.-elect Mazie Hirono, in a release.
“However, we can honor their service by keeping our promises and ensuring that veterans and their families get the support they need when they come home. Our nation’s future is much brighter when veterans are able to get good jobs, pay for school, and have a decent play to live. That is how we can show our appreciation every day of the year.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
