Memorial Day 2022

Happy ALOHA Friday Folks!

I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with love, laughter and relaxation.

I wanted to share an idea with you all of what our intentions here at the Hawai’i State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe is with regards to one of our biggest issues when it comes to our gravesites, particularly the standards of care and maintaining them.

I have only been here in my position for almost 10 months now and have learned a lot of what the expectations of the proper care and management of our cemetery is when it comes to the standards beset by the National Cemetery Administration and the Veterans Administration. Focusing in on the gravesites themselves, there is an expectation that each and every gravesite should exude a high standard of honor, dignity, respect and reverence. I have come to understand that the standard also incorporates a sense that every gravesite possesses in appearance and physical care that each one is treated exactly the same and that no gravesite should “stand above” another. The standards to achieve the level of reverence and uniformity evenly across all the gravesites is that there should only be:

· 1 Standard Marker that is provided by the VA
o This marker’s finish should not be polished or painted and there should be nothing permanently attached to it which would detract from the common standard
· The perpetual care of the grass/sod by the cemetery grounds staff. There should be no trenching, installing of borders, fencing etc. which would detract from the common standard policy
· Permanent vases, purchased by the NOK, ohana or friends of which currently only 1 is allowed to be installed by the grounds staff. Those with more than one vase has been grandfathered into the policy of one vase when it was implemented.

As much as we have challenges with keeping to the aforementioned standards governing each gravesite, there is an inherent issue of flags on gravesites. Here at the HSVC, we have multiple U.S. flags on some of the gravesites, we have Service Department flags (US Army, USAF, US Marine Corps, US Coast Guard, US Navy), NFL Flags, Sovereignty Flags, you name it….we have them. I have been told by the NMCP leadership that all veteran cemetery’s have the U.S. and State flags flying on the main cemetery flagpoles in honor of each of the veterans and families laid to rest within the Veterans Cemetery’s. An additional component of how each gravesite should look almost exactly the same when adhering to the standards and why there should not be any flags on any of the gravesites with the exception of Memorial Day, where a U.S. Flag is planted on every gravesite for that day only. There really should be no flags to be put on gravesites at all.

The Flags that are planted at the gravesites by NOK’s, families and friends are done so without the understanding of what the treatment/care protocols are for these flags……referencing the flag of the United States and State of the Union flags, which are:

· Must always be straight and upright
· If left overnight, must have a light to illuminate the flag during the dark of night hours (hence the primary reason why we have our National and State flags flying on our main flagpoles)
· Must not have any marking or writing on them
· Must not be faded, tattered, torn, stained or dirty
· Must never touch the ground
· Must always be arranged in the proper protocol order of precedence (which most of the folks have no idea of what the precedence is)

These flags are left within the cemetery grounds after the individual departs the cemetery with the burden of the care and treatment of that flag left with the cemetery and it’s staff. A burden that is purely bestowed upon the veterans cemetery because the veterans cemetery inherits the kuleana of taking care of that flag and must ensure it meets all the standards of protocol. This is something that the NOK, ohana and friends fail to understand….because if a U.S./State flag is torn, dirty, stained, touching or laying on the ground……they will not be the ones available to correct the situation….it’s the cemetery staff that must.

It is my belief that the culture of our community must be shaped to understand that there should not be any type of flag on any of the gravesites. To get there is going to take a monumental effort because our communities have been doing this (have been allowed to) for many, many years…….but because it has been a current and past practice does not mean it is right.

When I broached this topic with our Director, Ron Han, I proposed it as a plan/goal for the HSVC. Director Han shared with me that this endeavor needs to be a statewide effort for consistency sake which I completely agree with.

Please know that all of this is purely just a discussion and open for everyone’s thoughts and opinion’s. Everyone’s collective feedback is important to implementing change (especially drastic change) if we all feel it is warranted.

My initial thought is to present a plan that would target Memorial Day 2022 as the last day any of the cemetery’s would allow any flags within our cemetery’s. To lead up to the that date as a target of implementation, we would need to do media blitzes, community notifications, neighborhood board announcements, TV and Radio spots, visual banners/signage announcing the intended change…….all months in advance to the implementation date so this information can be massaged into our communities. Again, this idea is only in the stage of a internal discussion with you all.

I expect this entire process to be a painful one as our communities will not be happy at all as they probably feel that it is their right to do what they want….but looking at what is the right thing to do should be the premise of how this comes to fruition. To add…..if this endeavor is accepted and executed, it needs to be accomplished with hearts of aloha and respect.

Please let me know your thoughts on this topic. Also, please let me know if I should have included anyone else that I had inadvertently left out as this would affect all the State of Hawai’i cemetery’s on each island.

Have an awesome rest of your day and even better upcoming weekend!

E Mālama Pono,

Rob

Rob Lee, CCM, USAF/ANG (ret)
Operations Manager
State of Hawai’i DOD/OVS-HSVC
45-349 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Office: 808-369-3575

 WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument 

 WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument 

1845 Wasp BLVD, #176 

Honolulu, HI 96818 

www.nps.gov/valr 

National Park Service News Release 

National Park Service 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

Date: October 29, 2018 

USS Arizona Memorial dock completion expected in March 2019 

HONOLULU – The National Park Service (NPS) expects the USS Arizona Memorial dock repair project to be complete by March 2019, allowing visitor access to the memorial to resume. 

The design phase of the project was recently completed, allowing for the development of a more precise timeline for the repair process. Unfortunately, it will not be completed in time for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7. Since May, the NPS has worked with its partners in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force to ensure repairs are made as quickly as possible with special consideration given to the national significance of the site. 

“Not being able to welcome survivors and their families on the USS Arizona Memorial this coming December 7th is heartbreaking,” said Jacqueline Ashwell, superintendent of WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument, who oversees the memorial. “After exploring multiple options, we are working with our friends in the U.S. Navy to hold an intimate ceremony aboard a vessel adjacent to the USS Arizona. The Navy has been our partner every step of the way, and I could not be more grateful for their support.” 

The boat-based ceremony will include a floral tribute and will also allow survivors, their families, and other key dignitaries to pay their respects to the fallen at the USS Arizona. This special ceremony will be in addition to the full land-based commemoration ceremony. 

Access to the USS Arizona Memorial was suspended on May 6 when minor damage to the exterior of the structure became visible at the main point of entry. A more thorough examination revealed that the damage was caused by a failure of the visitor loading dock anchoring system. This placed extreme pressure on the loading bridge that provides overwater passage for visitors from the loading dock to the USS Arizona Memorial. Access was curtailed immediately to ensure visitor safety and prevent additional damage to the memorial. 

Ashwell also stated, “We are committed to restoring access to the memorial as soon as possible for all visitors, and it will remain a top priority across the board for this site and the National Park Service. We have condensed this project to the shortest amount of time necessary while also implementing solutions that will ensure a similar problem does not occur again. We appreciate the public’s continued patience as we work to complete the process and reinstitute access to the USS Arizona Memorial.” 

While the repair process continues, visitors will continue to see a 25-minute documentary film followed by a harbor tour of Battleship Row on U.S. Navy vessels which pass as close as possible to the USS Arizona Memorial. The NPS will continue to provide live or recorded commentary in an effort to maximize the visitor experience. Reservations are encouraged, as tickets for these programs continue to be fully distributed each day. 

All other amenities at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center remain open and accessible. Visitors are encouraged to visit our two free museums, shore side exhibits, snack shop and bookstore. Our partners at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum remain open and ready to welcome visitors. 

-NPS- 

For more information, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/valr and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValorNPS or contact: 

Veterans Memorials on Maui

Ha’iku: 4th Marine Division Memorial Park, training area for 4th Marines during WW2, located on Kokomo Road at Laenani Street.

Kihei: Underwater Demolition Team Monument on the Wailea side of Kamaole 1 Beach Park at S. Kihei Rd. and Kaiau Pl.

Mai Poina ‘oe I’au (Don’t Forget Me) Park located on North Kihei Road at ‘Ohukai Rd.

Kahului: Pony League Field at Maui High School dedicated to the 442nd RCT. at E. Papa and Lono Aves.

Makawao: Veterans Cemetery, with monuments to WW1, Korean war, Purple Heart Medal Awardees.

Wailuku: War Memorial Complex has all the names of Maui County servicemen killed in action from WW2 Forward. Located below Baldwin High School on Queen Ka’ahumanu Ave.

Nisei Veterans Memorial Center, this is the 442nd RCT/100thBn Center on Kahului Beach Road.

Maui Memorial Medical center dedicated to Maui’s Fallen Military, 221 Mahalani, Wailuku.

Iao Valley Kepaniwai Park: Plaque dedicated to the 726th Searchlight Battery made up of Afro-American Officers and Men who protected Maui from June 1942 thru Aug 1945. Location is between Pavillions 2 and 7.

Westside (Lahaina) Civic Center: List and sculpture to honor Westside residents who died in Wars from WW2 forward.

HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS 365 DAYS A YEAR – VIDEO

Vietnam Memorial Fund.bmp

Dear Supporter,

Your interest and commitment to the Vietnam Memorial means a great deal to me. And also to the many people “healed” by The Wall each year.

Because of this, I thought you would enjoy owning and displaying our exclusive 2011 commemorative calendar. It’s an inspiring daily reminder of the many ways you help us here at the Vietnam Memorial. And with a tax-deductible gift of $50, $75, $100 or more, I’ll send the 2011 VVMF Calendar to you right away.

It’s a striking full-color calendar. When opened, it’s 10.5″x16.5″ in size. Each month features a striking photo of The Wall, plus a photo and corresponding remembrance of a brave veteran.

Our commemorative calendar will remind you of all you’ve helped us accomplish in 2010:

– Repairs to the base of the flagpole bearing the military branch emblems; and the five Directories of Names were replaced

– An intensive restoration of The Three Servicemen statue. It looks brand new once again!

– The grass surrounding The Wall was brought back to a soothing and peaceful field of green with aeration, seeding, and a new irrigation system

CLICK HERE TO READ HOW TO MAKE A DONATION AND RECEIVE A CALENDAR

(submitted by Rona)