A groundbreaking ceremony for a Vietnam Veterans War Memorial at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery was held Friday after a Veterans Day ceremony honoring the men and women who have served or continue to serve our country.
Spearheaded by the West Hawaii Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Association, the monument will serve to honor the ultimate sacrifice and service to our country of the men and women who died in the war and to promote healing and dignity for the Vietnam Veterans who returned home.
Over 58,000 Americans lost their life in the conflict, including 40 Big Island residents.
Representatives of various veteran groups turned the earth with o‘o after a blessing by Kumu Keala Ching at the site the monument will eventually be constructed.
Mel Behasa, the association’s director said people often asked him why the cemetery did not have a memorial, and he thought “yes, why not?”
The idea was born and the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit association formed, but the memorial needed to be funded.
“This is for our West Hawaii heroes who gave their lives plus the 58,000 men and woman who died,” said Behasa. “Let’s always remember why we are doing this.”
“One year ago, the cost of the memorial was going to be $40,000. Today because of supply chain issues and inflation it has gone up to $75,000,” he said. “We are getting there but still have a long way to go.
The granite monument will bear a plaque inscribed with “ku koa i ka makani makaha,” which means “stand bravely in the fierce winds” under a depiction of soldiers jumping out of a helicopter and into battle.
Below will be an inscription that reads “This memorial is dedicated to those who answered the call to serve during one of the most divisive wars in U.S. history. Many came home without thanks or gratitude. Now is the timeto honor their courage, sacrifice, duty and devotion to country. More than 58,000 men and women gave their life in this war. Over 300,000 were wounded and today many remain missing. Ua ha‘awi kekahi na mea pau, ua ha‘awi pau kekahi — All gave some, some gave all.”
The association still needs nearly $50,000 to achieve their goal of dedicating the memorial on March 29, 2023, the anniversary of the end of the war. Behasa said he hopes community members and businesses will help them raise the money needed for this important memorial.
Tax deductible donations can be made through their website, hvvwma.com
For more information contact Behasa at ( 808) 329-1400 or email mbehasa@gmail.com