LIHU‘E — The American Fourth of July meal of hot dogs, hamburgers, French Fries and other delectible goodies always tastes better in good company. The Kaua‘i Veterans Council offered this traditional fare to veterans on Monday when it hosted its
LIHU‘E — The American Fourth of July meal of hot dogs, hamburgers, French Fries and other delectible goodies always tastes better in good company.
The Kaua‘i Veterans Council offered this traditional fare to veterans on Monday when it hosted its annual July 4th Veterans Roundup at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e.
Ed Kawamura said the mission of this year’s roundup is to promote veterans’ benefits while fostering the veterans’ ‘ohana on Kaua‘i in celebrating America’s birthday for which veterans have paid the price for freedom.
During special events where fellowship helps enhance festivities and celebrations, the Kaua‘i Veterans Council opens its doors so veterans and their families can come together for fellowship and celebrating.
“If we get three new veterans or their families, then this is all worthwhile,” Kawamura said. “Today, we have more than three veterans who need to have questions about their benefits answered.”
Bill Honjiyo, president of the Kaua‘i Veterans Council, said among the audience attending the event, which included the sumptuous all-American meal prepared by volunteers, was a veteran from the 100th Battalion who made the trip from Kilauea.
Honjiyo is currently working on trying to put together a program for the Bruyeres to Honolulu 2011 trip where a group of Bruyeres, France, survivors and their families will visit Hawai‘i in late September for the purpose of meeting veterans and their families of the 100th and 442nd.
Bruyeres, France was one of the towns which was liberated by veterans serving in the 100th Battalion and the 442nd combat unit.
Kawamura said while the nation celebrates its birth, we cannot forget those who made it possible.
He led a moment of silence in honor of the late state senator William Fernandes, whose efforts made possible the Kaua‘i Veterans Center, the first of its type in the state.
