HANAPEPE — “Never forget the difference they made” was the theme of the Kaua‘i Veterans Council Memorial Day Observance at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe on Monday.
Several hundred people, including the traditional volunteer corps of Scouts of America, the Girl Scout troops, veterans and many more took time out of their holiday weekend to reflect on and remember the sacrifices made by those people who make the Hanapepe site their final resting place.
“I have my dad with me, and my mother is buried here,” said Dana Hazelton, who is Gov. Josh Green’s Kaua‘i representative. “This is like a reunion.”
Girl Scout v0lunteers turned out in the showers that marked the end of the formal service to flag down veterans to offer them a handmade “Mahalo” and “Aloha” cards they created while listening to the proceedings. They also offered veterans Girl Scout Cookies, a coveted item since the cookie season ended at the end of March.
“I have been studying the cemetery directory,” said Jim Jung. “I found a guy I used to work with. He’s buried here.”
Unfortunately, circumstances occur, and not all of the people invited were able to attend.
“Sadly, I cannot be there with you today as I am heading back to Washington, D.C., so that Congress can meet its basic constitutional responsibility to prevent a default on our debt,” said Congresswoman Jill Tokuda in remarks delivered by state Rep. Nadine Nakamura (District 15).
“Today, we gather to recognize the brave men and women who’ve made a big difference in each of our lives. All of you who courageously answered the call to serve, and the many who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and our freedoms.
“After much negotiation and many of us holding the line, it is heartening to see that the resulting agreement fully funds medical care for veterans, including the funding needed for the PACT Act’s toxic exposure fund at the levels requested in President Biden’s FY 2024 Budget. That is $121 billion for veterans’ medical care. That’s going to make a big difference in millions of people’s lives.”
She added, “There is a quote on the wall of the Hawai‘i State Veteran’s Cemetery in my hometown of Kaneohe that has always stuck with me. ‘Tell them we gave our todays for their tomorrows.’
“I think about all the things I’ll get to do today, and tomorrow. I’ll vote to protect the rights and benefits of our veterans. I’ll fight for what our people and communities need in Washington D.C. I’ll tell my husband and kids I love them. I’ll kiss them goodbye.
“Not a second goes by that I am not humbled and grateful to be able to do each of those things, and more. I can assure you, not just today on Memorial Day, but every day, I remember who I have to thank for my todays and tomorrows.”
