No place for Memorial Day politics

On a day which should be reserved in solemn apolitical ceremony to remember our fallen heroes, it upsets me when politicians who normally just pay lip service to our veterans show up “to pay respects.”

This happened at Monday’s Memorial Day service at Hilo Veterans Cemetery No. 1, when the emcee recognized by name the presence of incumbents running for office again. Mayor Billy Kenoi gave appropriate remembrance in his remarks, but when asked after the ceremony why his own Veterans Advisory Committee was recently placed on inactive status due to unfilled vacancies, he said he was unaware the committee was no longer active (and hasn’t been for a long time).

And there was old reliable Harry Kim, who “represented” the Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial project by presenting a floral arrangement on HIVM’s behalf. Harry has assisted and advised HIVM, which has been trying for many years to develop a Veterans Center and housing, but to take advantage of the Memorial Day ceremony to be announced and make an appearance like this when he is running for office again is a least a bit sneaky and shows a lack of common sense.

I asked him why he did this and he said he was just “asked yesterday” to represent HIVM. Hmmmm.

Many will disagree with me and ask why am I picking on our beloved politicians, but the veterans out there will understand my point, maybe it’s time for a true veteran to reside at 25 Aupuni St. and put an end to our vets being used and taken for granted.

Neal Herbert

Hilo, US Coast Guard, retired