Veterans Day at the WWI Memorial in Waikiki

Veterans Day 2021 at the World War One Memorial By COL Arthur N. Tulak

The Commandery supported the first Veterans Day event at the WWI Memorial approved by the Honolulu Parks Department since 2019. With COVID restrictions easing, the Commemorative Partner organizations of the WWI Centennial Task Force jumped to action to plan an event that would jump start commemorations at this important memorial. The event was organized by Fran Riddell and “CR” Drumheller of American Legion Post 17, with on-site support from the Friends of the Natatorium, Pyramid Rock Battalion of Young Marines, the bagpipers of the Celtic Kula, and AMVETS and American Legion Riders. The Military Orders of the Foreign Wars and World Wars were once again acting in partnership to support an important commemoration. The Commander of the Capt. Gaylord Dillingham Chapter of MOWW, Col Jason Seal, who supported the combined ANZAC Day ceremony in April was again in support.

Also attending was a delegation from HMS Spey in port during a cruise. Lt Cdr Ben Evans, Commander of the ship also presented on behalf of her Majesty’s armed forces. He and his crew were surprised to learn that among those recorded on the Honor Stone were men from Hawaii who volunteered to serve for Great Britain before the U.S. had entered WWI. The crew of the HMS Spey were given a tour of the site and the history behind the Natatorium and the stone that holds the roll of honor.

The main speaker was DR Drumheller, Commander of American Legion Post 17, and Dept of Hawaii American Legion Chaplain, Michele Hauser, provided the benediction. The reading of Major John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” was ready by Fran Riddell, American Legion Dept. of Hawaii. Other Veterans organizations present included American Legion Post 11, Chapter 858 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Sons of the American Legion.

Presenting a floral lei on behalf of the Commandery was Companion Dan Garcia. The Color Guard was provided by Kaimuki High School Army JROTC under the leadership of LTC Terrence Bryan and SGM Thomas Bruce. The Cadets performed the drill smartly. Likewise, the Junior Marines stayed focused on their tasks in support of the event. Eighty-seven motorcyclists from many of the riding clubs and groups on Oahu joined the American Legion Riders, providing a warm-up for ceremonies in 2022, as this event usually incorporates a “rolling thunder” component for Veterans motor-cycle groups.

From L-R: two unidentified enlisted members of the Crew of the HMS Spey, Companion Manchester, Col Jason Seal, Commander of the Hawaii Chapter of MOWW, Companions Fred Staedel and Dan Garcia, Lt George Wheatley RN , and HMS Spey Lt Cdr Ben Evans

Above: Companion Dan Garcia presenting a floral wreath at the honor stone on behalf of the MOFW.