The origin of Veterans Day can be traced back to the year 1918 when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Nov. 11, the world celebrated the ending of World War I. This day was
The origin of Veterans Day can be traced back to the year 1918 when at the 11th
hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Nov. 11, the world celebrated the
ending of World War I. This day was known initially as Armistice Day and became
an American national holiday beginning in 1936. World War I was supposed to
have been the “war to end all wars” but it wasn’t. Americans were to again
fight in World War II and the Korean War. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed
a bill proclaiming Nov. 11th as Veterans Day — a day in which Americans could
honor al of the men and women who have served our nations in all wars. Our
military veterans continued to preserve the peace in the world by supporting
our nation’s effort sin the Vietnam War and the Gulf Conflict as well as other
conflicts in our world.
Tomorrow, Nov. 4, the Kauai Veterans Council will
honor the more than 41,900,000 military men and women who have served our
nation, including the more than 5,000 veterans who live here on the island of
Kaua’i with Kaua’i’s annual Veterans Day Parade, our 32nd parade and the only
veterans parade held on the outer island sin the state of Hawai’i. This is a
fact that all of Kaua’i should be very proud of.
This year’s theme is “This
is our country!” Our honorees include: Yukio Okutsu, Congressional Medal of
Honor recipient from the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team of World War II.
Mr. Okutsu is a native of Koloa, Kauai who currently resides in Hilo; James
Kawamura, Distinguished Service Cross recipient from the Korean War and
resident of Hanapepe; and Yoshi Minami, oldest living Gold Star Mother in the
state. Mrs. Minami lost her son, T/Sgt. Yoshio Minami, 442nd RCT, when he was
killed in action on Nov. 2, 1944. Mrs. Minami will celebrate her 107th birthday
on parade day.
Reviewing officer for this year’s parade will be Major
General Edward Correa, Jr., and Adjutant General, State of Hawaii. Master of
ceremonies at the reviewing stand will be Ron Wiley (KQNG Radio), ABC store –
Ken Date, COL, US Army (Retired) and Main Stage – Bill Honjiyo, LTC, US Army
(Retired). Parade Judges: Bob Mullins, Captain, US Navy (Retired; Mary Thronas,
Former chair, county of Kauai Council and Roy Nishida, Gov. Cayetano’s personal
liaison on Kaua’i.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. tomorrow in the
Historic Kapaa Town. The Kaua’i Veterans Council invites everyone to attend and
show their support for our nation’s veterans.
Kenneth Date, COL, US Army
(Retired), Kapa’a
