The Exchange Club of Hilo celebrated Flag Day with residents of Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home on Wednesday.
Kupuna gathered in the front of the veterans home for a ceremony before moving inside for the re-dedication of the Freedom Shrine.
The Freedom Shrine displays 32 documents that are imperative to American history such as the Declaration of Independence, the Mayflower Compact and the Instrument of Surrender.
Brigadier General Stephen Logan of the Hawaii Army National Guard was a guest speaker at the event and was pleased to see the documents on display for the residents, most of whom have served in the U.S. military.
“You can see many of these documents in museums, but having them on display here where so many people served for our country’s freedom, well, I can’t think of a more fitting place,” Logan said. “Every day you can pass by and see the foundational instruments for democracy in the United States of America and I’m proud to know they are displayed here.”
The Exchange Club of Hilo also donated American flags to the veterans home for future use.
In his closing message, Francis Tsunezumi, president of the Exchange Club, said he hopes to have this become an annual event for every Flag Day.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com