Table of Contents:
Vol. X, Issue 3, September 2021
been wanting to invite into the Order but weren’t sure if a meeting was the best way to show what we are about, normally a community project or ceremony would be good, but they are on hold for now.
Commander’s Comments……………………………………….……….. p. 1 Naval Air Station Barbers Point Memorial Restored…...….. p. 2 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………...………………………. p. 3 Youth Challenge Academy Awards ………………....……….....… p. 4 Eagle Scout Recognition …………………………..……..……...……….p. 5 Oahu Veterans Council Report ……………………………………….. p. 5 Commandery honors WWI Centennial Volunteer ……….….. p. 6 50th Vietnam War Commemoration …………………….……..…. p. 6 Commandery Honors Community Exemplars……………...…… p. 7 Commandery Inducts First Allied Veteran Companion ….... p. 9 Hawaii’s Military Memorials— PFC Herbert K. Pililaau …... p. 10 Hawaii’s Military History — Fort Honolulu ……………………… p. 11 Companion News ……………………………………………..…..………. p. 13 20th Anniversary of the 9-11 Attacks………..………………..….. p. 14 Upcoming Events ……..……………...……………………..…......……. p. 15
This issue of the Commandery News continues to focus on local memorials, and celebrates a local Hawaiian military HERO, PFC Herbert K. Pililaau. Likewise, the cover, featuring Honolulu Fort, acknowledges a rich military heritage and history of the Hawaiian Kingdom up through today’s Active, Reserve, and National Guard serving in Hawaii.
Looking forward, we have Vietnam Veteran Recognition Day, and Veterans Day and will want to conduct small ceremonies, consistent with local government and site-specific COVID-19 restrictions on assembly, masking, and physical distancing. With the 20th anniversaries of the Attacks on 9-11-2001, and the launching of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM this month and next, we should reflect on the purposes of our Order, and honor the sacrifices made, to chart our course as America seeks to establish sound defense policy, military strategy, and provide humanitarian assistance to our allies and partners.
Cover Photo: 'View of Kekuanaohu, the Honolulu Fort - Interior', oil on canvas painting by Paul Emmert, c. 1853, Hawaii Historical Society. Originally constructed in 1816, the site is now the Aloha Tower, near the Hackfeld gate.
Commander’s Comments. Aloha Companions and Friends, Our Commandery continues to carry out its programs in pursuit of the 7 purposes of the Order responsibly in compliance with the constraints and restraints of living and making worthy contributions during the global pandemic, just as we and our ancestors did during challenging times in our nations history. So far this year, we managed to carry out commemorations for Memorial Day and ANZAC Day, support Cadet Awards Ceremonies, honor Eagle Scouts and a memorable social event with a guest speaker. The Commandery’s social event on June 11th included a light buffet, an enlightening presentation, induction of a new companion, and an opportunity to socialize with guests who have expressed interest in joining the Order. Col Jason Seal (USMC, Ret.) gave an inspirational presentation on his efforts leading the committee to restore the Naval Air Station Barbers Point Memorial and the work that went into this effort. We also inducted our newest Companion Lieutenant Retired (USN) Dan Garcia who works in the J9 USINDOPACOM’s Legislative Affairs Division; he is going to be a companion to watch! We all agreed that this event was perfect for inviting guests and reinvigorating our companions in the Comradery and purposes of the Order. We need to do more of this, and I encourage Companions to nominate deserving members in the Community, it is always great to be able to invite people we respect to share their experiences with likeminded individuals. This forum is also a great venue to invite friends and colleagues that we
My priorities for the remainder of my tenure are to continue to find creative ways to get our companions and guests of the same mind to come together, in accordance with the State and County COVID restrictions, for memorials, leadership, patriotic, and social purposes. Particularly to ensure we honor Veterans Day at an appropriate venue such as the World War One Memorial Natatorium and possibly the Grand Army of the Republic and veterans graves at Oahu Cemetery. We are also looking for suggestions for small memorial events we can do ourselves when the larger traditional organized ceremonies are necessarily cancelled or restricted to small groups of invited dignitaries. Please share your ideas for getting people together, particularly for commemorating Vietnam Veteran Recognition Day, we must no forget to honor the Veterans and companions of this conflict.
“Deus et Libertas”
Curtis “Manny” Manchester III LTC, USA Ret. 1
