Veterans Day parade unites the ages

Kaua‘i residents young and old took to the streets to pay homage to Veterans Day a few days in advance.

Though the holiday technically is on Nov. 11, honoring the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, marking the end of World War I, Saturday’s participation showed the meaning of such an occasion isn’t about technicalities.

Marching in the parade through Kapa‘a town were veterans and family and friends of veterans, along with members of the mayor’s office, Halau Hula o Leilani, Kapa‘a Business Association, the U.S. Coast Guard.

Veterans such as Christopher “Wild Dog” Takenaka made for a patriotic display. Takenaka, who guided participants at the beginning of the parade, parked his motorcycle underneath an American flag. A veteran of Operation Desert Shield, Takenaka noted there is still “unfinished business” over there.

Family members of veterans killed in action were escorted, while Junior Reserve Officer Training Program Corps from Kapa‘a High School made impressive formations.

Overall it was a family event for all ages — and one that became a tradition of sorts for multiple generations, including a group from the host Kapa‘a Business Association who has made it a practice to participate in the parade over the past several decades.

Other groups, such as Healing Horses Kaua‘i, took part in this year’s parade. Carol Sue Ayala, of Koloa, held her flag high with one of the extraordinary animals, noting she wouldn’t miss this year’s event.

Mini Miss Model of the Year Tiani Kaui and Miss Model of the Year McKenna Pascua enjoyed showing off their sashes (though Pascua accidentally was wearing her sister’s sash instead of her own, reading “Teen Miss Model of the Year). But Kaui and Pascua weren’t the only beauty queens in the parade, as Tahra Kaui, Petite Miss Model of the Year, and Kawailehua Pegader-Napohaku also took part.