Commandery Observes Memorial Day 2023

Companions Hirai and Manchester represented the Commander at the two largest commemorations on Memorial Day. Vice Commander COL. Ret. Peter Hirai attended the Mayor's ceremony at Punchbowl. COL Hirai reports:

“Although it had rained that morning, the skies cleared and it turned out to be a beautiful day for the ceremony. Guest speakers included the City and County of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of Indo-Pacific Command. Afterward was the parade of wreaths, followed by the flyover by 4 F-22s of the Hawaii National Guard and the all-services musical medley. Even the Space Force Song was sung! It was a perfect day to memorial those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.”

Commander, LTC Ret. Manchester attended the Governor’s ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. This event features the parade of flags of all the major Veterans Organizations in Hawaii and presentation of lei. The Cadets of the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy carry the colors.

Memorial Day Remarks from our political leaders:

President J. R. Biden’s remarks: “Today, we once again gather in this sacred place, at this solemn hour, to honor fallen heroes, to once again stand amid the rows and rows of marble stones and bear witness to the brave women and men who served and sacrificed for our freedom and for our future; those who died so our nation might live. Every year, as a nation, we undertake this rite of remembrance, for we must never forget the price that was paid to protect our democracy. We must never forget the lives these flags, flowers, and marble markers represent: a mother, a father, a son, a daughter, a sister, a spouse, a friend. An American.”

President Donald Trump ’s Remarks: Memorial Day message in remembrance of those who sacrificed and served the United States. "Here, on this soil, on these grounds, beneath those fields, lies the true source of American greatness of American glory — and of American freedom."

"As long as we are blessed with patriots such as these, we shall forever remain one people, one family, and one nation under God."

Congress Woman Tulsi Gabbard: "I've served as a soldier now for over 20 years...I'll never forget those who I served with, those who gave their lives in service to our country. I'll never forget my friends who are still serving in harm's way today. …..The way to honor our troops who sacrificed their lives for our country is to work to prevent unnecessary, costly wars that will result in the deaths of many more of our brothers and sisters in uniform. ... Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who gave all, those who made that ultimate sacrifice, and to remember that war should only be waged as a very last resort to keep the American people safe."