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Commander’s Comments
Commander’s Comments……………………………………….……….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………...………………………. p. 2 Illinois Stands up Provisional Commandery …………………….. p. 2 Celebrating ANZAC Day ………………………………....……….....…. p. 3 Chinese Veteran grave registration project ……..……...……..p. 5 50th Vietnam War Commemoration …………………………..…. p. 5 Eighth Annual 50th Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest….. p. 6 1st Place Essay by Cadet Rhapsody Esperitu……………...…… p. 8 ROTC, JROTC Cadet Awards Ceremonies…. …………….……... p. 10 Memorial Day Observance …………………………………..……..… p. 12 Spring Poppy Appeal at Camp Smith ………………………..……. p. 13 Hawaii’s Military Memorials ……………………………………..…… p. 14 Commandery Operations …………………………………….………. p. 15 Companion News ……………………………………………..…………… p. 16 Quartermaster Report ……………….…………………………………. p. 16 Upcoming Events ……..……………...……………………..…....……. p. 17
Cover Photo: The Commandery marked ANZAC day on April 25, 2021, with a special ceremony conducted under COVID restrictions. This wreath, hand made by Ms. Teddy Harrison, President of “Remember the Lady.” a volunteer organization dedicated to honoring and remembering Army nurses.
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Aloha Companions and Friends,
As your Commander, I wish to tell you how very proud I am of our commandery and our companions as we continued our commitment to responsibly serving our veteran, historic, cadet, allied, and other causes in our community under the current constraints and restraints of a global pandemic.
I encourage us all to draw lessons from our military service as we begin to open up and loosen restrictions, as veterans we are looked on for examples in discipline and order in the society, we need to follow the current guidelines to protect those who are still vulnerable amongst us as our community and national leaders gradually loosen the constraints and restraints.
We all know the importance of following not only lawful orders and regulations but also the SOPs of local units, same as we transition now. Our Commandery has done an excellent job of doing this over the last year and two months while safely and properly maintaining our ongoing commitment through multiple programs held virtually, individually, and in small masked and distanced groups as the rules applied by location at the time.
Great job to all!
“Deus et Libertas”
Curtis “Manny” Manchester III LTC, USA Ret. Commander
From the Secretary
As we approach our June meeting, we are completing the first year of the two year term of office for Commandery Officers. There are many leadership opportunities in the Commandery, and many hands make light work. Double, and triple-hatting of duty positions is a risk to mission success and does not help to train Companions for leadership positions. If you have not considered volunteering to lead a standing committee or fill an office, now is the time to do so.
The Hawaii Commandery has completed its tax filings with the IRS and the State of Hawaii for 2020, which are required for us to maintain our 501 (c) 3 status as a non-profit organization.
The 50th Vietnam War Commemoration continues until 2025 and the Commandery should recommit to supporting this important commemoration. This issue carries the winning essay of the 8th Annual Cadet Essay Contest, marking another successful year. This contest, and the Vietnam Veteran Recognition program should be a priority for all companions. Our goal is to recognize Vietnam Veterans who have distinguished themselves for their volunteer efforts in the community. We should endeavor to show progress on this in these pages over the next few years.
