On the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:11 a.m. Don Brown, adjutant of DAV Chapter-7 blew the pu signaling the start of Veterans Day Ceremony at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery followed by a Hawaiian blessing by Kumu Keala Ching.
Originally known as Armistice Day, Nov.11 celebrated the ending of World War I. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.
On Saturday, scores of veterans and community members gathered at the cemetery to recognize all veterans of the armed services.
Greg Alip, Commander DAV Chapter-7 said many mistakenly believe Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor veterans who died in battle as a result of wounds sustained in combat, however that is Memorial Day.
“Veterans Day is intended to thank the living veterans for dedicated and loyal service to our country,” he said. “We are here today to honor our heroes, to remember their achievements, courage and dedication. Today our troops continue to make the ultimate sacrifice, and even if we loose troops, more American troops step forward and say ‘I’m ready to serve’.”
The Veterans Day address was given by Command Sergeant Major Jessica Cho, Garrison CSM, Pohakuloa Training Area.
“Today we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have accomplished so much to a great nation and have made countless sacrifices in establishing and strengthening our country. To all veterans here, I want to personally thank you for your service,” she said.
She said she wanted to personally deliver a message to all veterans and their families.
“To me, Veterans Day means honor in every sense of the word. It is a day to show respect, a day of remembrance, gratitude and admiration and celebration of your brave and courageous life. You wrote history wielding a pen filled with ink made of blood, sweat and tears patiently recording accounts of your unselfish and devoted time while most went on with their daily lives without thinking twice about it. Your legacy is our freedom,” said Cho.
She said those currently serving, including herself, vow to guard the freedom with all their might.
“All though some say it’s free, we know it isn’t. I honor you and your families. You have made great sacrifices including time away from your loved ones, missing birthdays, the first day of school, the birth of a child. When duty called, you went and fulfilled your obligation with pride even when situations were tough, when sometimes you felt forgotten or days that felt like they lasted forever. In exchange for all you did and your hardship, you gave us security and peace,” she said. “Freedom isn’t free because it comes with a cost, which is borne by our veterans both living and in spirit.”
After her moving speech, members of the DAV performed a 21 gun salute and a haunting rendition of TAPS was played.
