Veterans, their families, dignitaries and community members assembled Friday at Hawaii County Veterans Cemetery No. 1 to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans, their families, dignitaries and community members assembled Friday at Hawaii County Veterans Cemetery No. 1 to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Veterans Day ceremony, organized by the Korean War Veterans Association Hilo Chapter 231, began, as tradition dictates, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year.
“That’s because on the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th hour of 1918, an armistice was signed between the allied nations and Germany declaring the end of World War I, the war to end all wars,” explained keynote speaker Ed Teixeira, Hawaii County Civil Defense interim administrator and a retired Army colonel, who outlined the history of Veterans Day — which originally was established by President Woodrow Wilson as Armistice Day in 1919.
Teixeira explained that Armistice Day became Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, after American service personnel returned from the Korean War, and “Nov. 11 became the day to honor veterans of all wars.”
“Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe, but does include an ‘s’ at the end of ‘veterans’ because it is not a day that belongs to veterans. It is a day for honoring all veterans,” he added. “Veterans Day continues to be observed on Nov. 11, regardless of what day of the week it falls. The observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps us focus the attention of the important purpose of Veterans Day, which is to celebrate and to salute all of the veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
“They come from all walks of life. They are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and co-workers. They are an important part of their communities. And they are with us today. Just look around, you see the veterans, you can see some people in uniform.”
Deacon Jim Dougherty of the St. Joseph and St. Theresa Catholic parishes said the annual observance of Veterans Day “invites us to remember those killed in the line of duty, those still suffering the effects of their generous response in times of national need and, of course, everyone who has retired or is still on active duty.”
“We cannot forget the sacrifices of so many. We sense an obligation to express our gratitude, our profound thanks for the generosity of these men and women. And we certainly remember them in our thoughts and prayers this day,” Dougherty said.
Dwayne Mukai, Big Island representative for U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, read a message from the congresswoman, a Hawaii Army National Guard major who has been deployed to Iraq and Kuwait.
“I’ve experienced firsthand the depth of selflessness and commitment that the men and women of our Armed Forces possess, not only for our country, but for one another,” the message stated, in part. “We would not be the country that we are today without sacrifice and service. Our veterans are a living testament to those accomplishments and deserve ongoing support and commitment from our nation. To our veterans here today, mahalo for what you do. Know that your selflessness and dedication will not be forgotten.”
Republic of Korea navy Capt. Kim Jeong Hyun, a defense attache to the South Korean Consulate in Honolulu, paid tribute to veterans of the Korean War, also known as the “Forgotten War.”
“Thanks to your sacrifice to our country, our country has developed and has … prosperity, democracy and freedom. … We will never forget your dedication and sacrifice,” he said.
Mayor-elect Harry Kim, a former U.S. Army medic, was in the audience, but didn’t participate in the ceremony. Kim, who served as the county’s chief executive from 2000-08, became emotional when asked why he’s a fixture at Veterans Day and Memorial Day gatherings.
“My family, on my father’s side, most have been destroyed by war. I mean, destroyed by war. I grew up not knowing one uncle, one cousin, of any kind, from my father’s side because they were all killed,” Kim said. “So, you realize the value of military, but you also realize the stupidity of war. So, I come here paying total respect to those who serve, especially those who gave their lives. I just do not understand, literally, why we keep doing this to ourselves.
“So, I come and say my silent prayer.”
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.