The Memorial Day ceremony honoring all veterans Monday drew a large local crowd to the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. The military attaché of the Republic of South Korea Capt. Yong Mo Yang purchased a wreath for the ceremonies and attended with his wife and teenage son. When the ceremony was over the wreath was placed on the grave of a highly decorated local soldier 1st Sgt. Sidney Raphael Kalamakoi Kalani Springer, who was born in Kona and grew up on the church property on Alii Drive across from Bubba Gumps. Springer served in Korea and Vietnam and was a combat veteran of both wars. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He started the Korean War Veterans Association of West Hawaii, and lived here until his death in 2003.
The Memorial Day ceremony honoring all veterans Monday drew a large local crowd to the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. The military attaché of the Republic of South Korea Capt. Yong Mo Yang purchased a wreath for the ceremonies and attended with his wife and teenage son. When the ceremony was over the wreath was placed on the grave of a highly decorated local soldier 1st Sgt. Sidney Raphael Kalamakoi Kalani Springer, who was born in Kona and grew up on the church property on Alii Drive across from Bubba Gumps. Springer served in Korea and Vietnam and was a combat veteran of both wars. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He started the Korean War Veterans Association of West Hawaii, and lived here until his death in 2003.