Retired U.S. Army Col. Debra M. Lewis, of Hilo and a member of West Point’s first graduating class with women, will be honored as grand marshal of the seventh annual Veterans Day Parade at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in downtown Hilo.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Debra M. Lewis, of Hilo and a member of West Point’s first graduating class with women, will be honored as grand marshal of the seventh annual Veterans Day Parade at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in downtown Hilo.
This year’s parade is dedicated to female veterans and active duty military women in every branch of the service, and all are encouraged to participate.
Lewis commanded three separate U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Districts. As a retired combat veteran and military spouse, “Lewis well understands what it takes to really help others so that everyone can win,” said Wendell Kaehuaea, who serves as senior vice chairman of the annual parade.
Lewis serves as an affiliate faculty member and advisor to the chancellor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. She also is an active supporter of Hawaii Island veteran and women leadership organizations.
When asked why she thinks the island community is eager to show their support on Veterans Day — and every day — Lewis said, “By honoring our veterans and ensuring they receive the benefits they’ve earned, we inspire future generations to defend our freedoms in an increasingly complex, hostile and connected world.”
Lewis and her husband, Lt. Col. Doug Adams (ret.), reside in Hilo. They have three grown children.
“We are calling for all women who serve in our military to join the parade on Nov. 8,” Kaehuaea said.
All participants are asked to join fellow veterans at 7 a.m. that day at the staging area near the Kamehameha statue on Piopio Street.
Because of road construction, the parade route will be in reverse of the Merrie Monarch Parade, beginning near the bottom of Pauahi Street and traveling north on Kamehameha Avenue, then up Waianuenue Avenue and back through downtown Hilo and returning down Pauahi Street to the starting point. A large American flag and the official reviewing stand will be located at the corner of Pauahi Street and Kilauea Avenue.
“The Veterans Day Parade can only be held with the generous support of local business and individuals, and through fundraising efforts,” Kaehuaea said. “Our committee members are strictly volunteers who give of their time and efforts to support and organize this parade because of the importance to recognize our Hawaii Island veterans and ohana.”
The event is chaired by Dan Kama, assisted by Kaehuaea, Vice Chairman William L. Moore, Secretary Jan Trombley and committee member Jay Trombley.
For more information, call Kaehuaea at 640-1435 or email him at wkaehuaea@yahoo.com.