Vietnam War vet’s name goes on memorial wall, bringing closure to family

After 48 years, Grace Kuewa received closure today. 

Her brother, Navy Airman Albert Kala­hana Kuewa, a Wai­alua High School graduate, was one of 10 to have their names inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., two weeks ago, bringing the total to 58,282.

“His death left an emotional scar,” Kuewa said today at the Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony, “but I can rest easier now that he has received such an honor.”  

Hundreds showed up for Monday’s program at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe, which included opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Darryll Wong, state adjutant general; a parade of flags and presentation of floral lei; a rifle salute by the Hawaii Air National Guard; a flyover by a Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter; and music from the 111th Army Band.

On Sept. 18, 1964, Airman Kuewa, 22, was aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger in the Gulf of Ton­kin, off the shore of Vietnam, when he was hit and killed by a moving plane.