• Veterans respecting veterans • Guard dogs • ‘Bent income’ Veterans respecting veterans Standing in a mixture of misting rain and gusty winds, a small group of neatly dressed soldiers from Schofield Barracks and equally impressive military veterans from Kaua‘i
• Veterans respecting veterans • Guard dogs • ‘Bent income’
Veterans respecting veterans
Standing in a mixture of misting rain and gusty winds, a small group of neatly dressed soldiers from Schofield Barracks and equally impressive military veterans from Kaua‘i stand patiently in ceremonial formation waiting to perform their solemn duty at the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery.
For nearly 25 years, members of the Kaua‘i Veterans Honor Guard have faithfully volunteered their time and their own personal expense to render military funeral honors to veterans of all services as a show of our nation’s deep gratitude for those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful nation can provide to a veterans’ family, and each member of the Honor Guard knows that their participation in this solemn ceremony helps to soothe the broken hearts of the veteran’s loved ones and leaves an indelible image of dignity at his/her passing.
But today is different. Today, the veteran has no family or friends to grieve at his passing. No one to remember.
Tony Elliott, retired U.S. Marine SgtMaj and State Veterans’ Services Counselor for Kaua‘i, begins the ceremony, “This afternoon we gather — united in spirit — to bid a final farewell to yet another GI. Although none of us knew him, we veterans who stand here today… and those veterans who rest peacefully in this hallowed ground… know much of his sacrifice. We know that as long as our country stands, our young men and women will be called to take up arms to protect us. And we know that as long as there are men and women who are willing to stand up and serve, we must always be willing to stand up and honor their service. Today, we stand and honor the service of our fellow veteran, Private First Class Walter Emil Esselborn, U.S. Army.”
Elliott outlines PFC Esselborn’s life beginning with his birth in Newark, N.J. in 1917, his drafting into the U.S. Army in 1943, and his subsequent medical discharge as a result of combat wounds received while serving as an infantry rifleman in Northern France in October 1944 which resulted in his being awarded the Purple Heart Medal. “Walter died May 26, 2010 while in long-term care in Winslow Township, New Jersey and it was Walter’s wish to be buried here at the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery on the beautiful island of Kaua‘i with his dear wife, Conchita, who passed away in 2000. Walter is being laid to rest with her here today,” Elliott says.
Elliott continues, “Walter – you are not alone today. We are here… your friends and fellow veterans… standing in your honor and respecting your wishes. We only ask as you are reunited with your dear wife – Conchita – that you look down upon us from time to time, and as much as possible, help us to live a life worthy of God’s loving grace.”
After a final prayer, the Guard Commander gives the crisp command “Fire” which startles the somber silence. Following the traditional three-volley rifle salute, a lone soldier in the distance raises his bugle and the gentle strain of Taps echoes over the hallowed grounds. All then remains quiet as the American Flag is folded and three polished rounds are raised symbolic of the Army’s ethos “Duty-Honor-Country.” Flag presentation and a final salute concludes the ceremony and the Honor Guard then marches from the gravesite and begins preparing for the next service which begins in 30-minutes. And so it goes, one veteran respecting the honorable service of the next… for all eternity.
Tony Elliott, Retired U.S. Marine SgtMaj
Guard dogs
I have recently had problems with these people who just moved next door. They are grumbling about my dogs barking all day and night.
What they don’t realize is that my dogs don’t bark for the fun of it. They bark because there are people that sneak around our homes at night.
We have had several things stolen from us as well as other neighbors. Since I repositioned my dogs about one year ago to where they can see the blind spots on the property we have not had any new incidents.
Now they want us to get rid of our dogs because they have a kid who can’t sleep when there’s noise. They have called our landlord and complained to him. They also went to the point of calling the humane society.
My dogs bark for a reason, whether it be a stranger, time to eat or their kid screaming at the top of his lungs. The kids constant crying is bothering my dogs so who do I complain about that?
How can you move into a neighborhood and then think you can change the way that people in that neighborhood have lived. All my other neighbors have been here for years also. I have asked my neighbors long before if my dogs bother them and they said no they are happy because their things aren’t being stolen.
Rhondalin Luczon, Kalaheo
‘Bent income’
Politicians all over who are now in office are trying to disguise the fact that they are currently “servicing” their constituents by excluding the word “incumbent” from their listing.
That’s because the word’s syllable placement disguises the truth. In the voting booth, you can fix that. It really means, “bent income.”
Don Paul, Kalaheo
