HANAPEPE — They came from different wars, from different branches of the service, but all united in a common cause — to pay tribute to veterans who have built this nation. Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery was the site for the annual
HANAPEPE — They came from different wars, from different branches of the service, but all united in a common cause — to pay tribute to veterans who have built this nation.
Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery was the site for the annual Veterans Day services that took place in accordance with the original Armistice Day that happened on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and Master of Ceremonies Bill Honjiyo was prompt in marking the time.
Prior to the start of the services, there was ample time in the warm morning sun to spend time among the graves of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom enjoyed by those who came to the services Thursday.
Commander Frank Cruz of the Kauai Veterans Council said that Veterans Day is different from Memorial Day in that it is a time to reflect on the contributions and accomplishments of veterans.
Cruz offered a moment of silence in tribute to those whose final resting place surrounds the services, and reminded people to support and not forget those who are currently facing danger and death in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Keynote speaker Cmdr. David Nekomoto, a veteran, said it was heartwarming to see the many kinds of support and volunteerism that came forth from the community to remember fallen heroes.
He relayed his experiences about returning from Vietnam to America where there were no crowds, no bands, no fanfare — just a gruff sergeant who ordered, “Go get your steak. All people returning from ‘Nam are entitled to a steak. Go to the mess hall and get your steak.” This was 3 a.m., Nekomoto recollected.
Nekomoto said there are many kinds of veterans, and it would be ideal if everyone could be a veteran who serves without going to war.
But, sometimes that is not possible, as there are many people on the island who have husbands, sons and daughters who training to go to war. It is for these people, Nekomoto said, that we need to support national policy, because the soldiers are ready to give the ultimate sacrifice.
As a Vietnam veteran, Nekomoto said people have a good life in America, and take a lot of things for granted.
In Vietnam, he saw a lady washing rice in the river, the same river that further upstream someone was using as a bathroom. These things don’t exist in America. Here, people use the bathroom and flush. People turn on the tap and water comes out. Things are taken for granted.
That same lady washing rice in the river, Nekomoto continued, had a husband, and perhaps a son, who would go off on patrol as he had done the day before, and the day before that.
He has no tour of duty, or knows when it will end. That lady doesn’t know whether or not her husband will come home at the end of the day. This goes on every day for 10 years.
Americans had no fear of invasion, Nekomoto said, until the reaction to the Sept. 11, 2001 incident. Nekomoto said it’s not whether you agree or not on the response of Sept. 11. There is a need to show appreciation and support for the troops who are now in fields of battle, or preparing to go into battle.
A giant banner on a field of yellow dominated the services. It was contributed by Eleele School students who held a special Veterans Day tribute Wednesday. Against the field of yellow a giant ribbon stands, fashioned out of tinier ribbons in patriotic red, white, and blue. Each of those tiny ribbons has a hand-written inscription on what Veterans Day means to an Eleele School student.
Fourth-grader Daniel Sagucio was in the audience, and following the services, scrutinized the banner with his mother, anxious to find his contribution.
“We had a program,” Sagucio said. “The ROTC guys came and did a performance.”
“I was cooking this morning, and he (Daniel) said we had to come to the cemetery,” his mother said while trying to concentrate on finding Daniel’s contribution.
But, search as they did, there was no Daniel’s contribution, although they did find one from Daniel’s brother Darren, a third-grader who penned, “who fought in the war, they gave us freedom.”
Maj. Victor Aguilar of the Waimea High School JROTC said the cadets worked most of Wednesday, starting out at Eleele School, where they presented the colors and had an exhibition by the Drill Team. From there, the cadets were transported to Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, where the middle schoolers held their own Veterans Day tribute.
For the Veterans Day service, the JROTC cadets presented the colors, had their Saber Unit on hand, and concluded the day with their buglers blowing “Taps.”
Boy Scouts from Troop 83 were on hand to mark each grave with American flags prior to the service, and followed that task with handing out programs as guests began to arrive.
Pastor Gene Redden of the Kaua‘i Marine Corps League delivered the invocation, with Nalani Brun rendering the national and state anthems, and a special ensemble from the Waimea High School music department embellishing the experience with appropriate selections.
A rifle squad from the Hawaii Air National Guard 154 Air Control Squadron rendered the 21-gun salute, and members of the West Kauai Lions Club and the Waimea High School Leo Club were being perfect hosts and hostesses, with refreshments for all.
Additionally, members of the West Kauai Hongwanji were out in force Wednesday afternoon, and by Thursday morning every grave in the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery had flowers courtesy of the Lonesome Grave project which is shared by the Women’s Club of the Lihue Hongwanji Mission.
Gus Garcia served as the chairperson for this year’s services, Garcia smiling following the memorable service: “This is the first, and last one.”
People immediately started doubting the fact that this would be the last one he chaired.
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
