HANAPEPE — In a rare Memorial Day, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami had an opportunity to speak with the more than four dozen Scouts of America, Monday during Memorial Day at the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery that was devoid of the traditional large crowd of people because there was no formal ceremony.
But the scouts, including Cub Scouts from Cub Pack 148, and girls who joined the Scouting program, showed up early to decorate the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery with lei for the enjoyment of individuals and families visiting the cemetery on the day set aside to honor and pay respect to those who have given everything for the price of freedom.
Kawakami thanked the Scouts for their task being done in the early morning misting rain that rolled in from the southwest ocean and blanked the cemetery, keeping the dust and heat in check.
“You folks know the true meaning of this day,” Kawakami told the troops. “It’s not just a holiday from school or work.”
The deed being performed by the scouts did not go unnoticed despite the lack of people due in part from the rain.
“When I went to get the donuts for the troops, this morning, I met this gentleman,” said one of the Scout volunteers. “He is Capt. Joseph Quentin of the Civil Air Patrol, and he took care of all the refreshments I was getting.”
The misting rain did not deter the Hawai‘i Army National Guard Kaua‘i Military Funeral Honors Team that arrived for a rifle volley salute to demonstrate its gratitude and respect, followed by the sounding of Taps that triggered salutes from Kaua‘i Veterans Council Commander Mary Kay Hertog, and the attending Scouts and their leaders.
The demonstration of patriotism was done in full accordance with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with the majority of people wearing face masks despite the governor’s earlier ruling of not needing face coverings if outdoors. Social distancing may not have been the norm, but the awareness of the practice was.
The service, if you label the demonstration of patriotism that, was not filled with the traditional speeches and colorful presentations, but touched those who happened to be at the cemetery when the activities happened, and the lack of a crowd was a blessing in disguise as larger portions of the cemetery, including the main avenue, is fenced off due to construction of the nearly $6 million expansion of the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery.
“After all these years of doing Memorial Day, did you notice that it’s raining,” said Troop 148 Scoutmaster Lyle Tabata. “It never rains on Memorial Day. This is cleansing.”
Marilyn Matsumoto, arriving to visit graves, agreed.
“Yes, it never rained on Memorial Day,” she said. “It never rains in Hanapepe!”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
