Open invitation is show of unity Out of respect for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorists’ attack and to show Kauaians are solidly behind America’s war on terrorism, spectators will be asked for the first time to participate in
Open invitation is show of unity
Out of respect for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorists’ attack and to show Kauaians are solidly behind America’s war on terrorism, spectators will be asked for the first time to participate in the annual Kaua’i Veterans Day Parade in Kapa’a Saturday.
“The theme this year is unity and strength, and we are asking people, young and old alike, to stand behind the flag to fight terrorism,” said Ed Kawamura, commander of the Kaua’i Veterans Council, the sponsor of the annual parade.
The parade also will be a salute to the valor and sacrifices of Kaua’i veterans of World War II and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, said Dr. Quentin Belles, president of tMilitary Intelligence Service Veterans, one of 17 organizations that make up the veterans council.
“We are honoring people who contributed to America’s democracy and democratic form of life and defended it during war. It should be remembered,” Belles said.
The parade has been held yearly for more than 15 years. Because of increased patriotism since the September tragedy on the East Coast, this year’s parade will boast a 25 percent increase in parade participants, Kawamura said.
Veterans Day is Nov. 11 and is observed as a holiday Nov. 12, but the Kaua’i parade is early so that marching groups and bands can participate in the event. Some of the groups are scheduled to participate in Veterans Day events in other parts of the state next week, Kawamura said.
The one-mile Kaua’i parade will start at 10 a.m. in the middle of Kapa’a town and end at Kapa’a Beach Park.
The units will include Hawai’i Army and Air National Guard troops from Kaua’i, the 11th Army Guard Band, a Marine Corps color guard from O’ahu and a color guard from Pacific Missile Range Facility, Junior ROTC members from Kapa’a and Waimea high schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and community groups.
A formal ceremony will be staged at the park following the parade. Awards will be presented to the best parade entries.
The parade queen will be 16-year-old AutumnLee Faildo, a senior at Waimea High School and a member of that school’s Junior ROTC program.
Faildo, one of nine candidates who sought the queen’s crown, will be given a $500 award and will represent veterans at island events.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
