Honor those who served

Memorial Day weekend. A great time for family gatherings. A wonderful chance, with the holiday Monday, to have some fun, perhaps go camping, barbecue and enjoy life. Good times on a nice three-day weekend. That’s what it’s all about.

We offer one suggestion for something you may want to consider doing on Memorial Day: Attend the annual service at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery, starting at 10 a.m.  It’s an opportunity to honor our veterans, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, who lost their lives while serving their country.

We won’t lecture anyone on the why we should pay tribute to our veterans, both living and dead. We know why. We know without them, we wouldn’t have those freedoms we take for granted and enjoy today. We know our veterans are among this country’s greatest assets, the men and women who display the courage and spirit we could all use. We know they’re the folks who have kept us safe and did not do so for attention, but because they believed it was the right thing to do.

Let’s honor them with our presence Monday at Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s going to take place:

• Retired Maj. Gen. Mary Lou Hertog will share the podium with Sen. Mazie Hirono in delivering remarks as guest speakers.

• Paula Zimmerman will deliver the keynote address and Rev. Cynthia Moore of the West Kauai United Methodist Church will officiate over the service with the invocation and benediction.

• A special appearance by Mele Kapuuwaimai comprised primarily of students at the Leeward Community College will provide the musical numbers, including the national and state anthems. 

 We hope to see you there. It may be best way we can say thanks.