Veterans Day events around Oahu include:
TODAY
Kahe Point, 6:30 a.m.
Underwater tribute to veterans with taps at 6:30 a.m. followed by an underwater raising of the U.S. flag. The event is presented by scuba divers and dive companies. Call 635-1780.
MONDAY
Punchbowl cemetery, 10 a.m.
The 2013 Veterans Day Ceremony with Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, serving as the event’s distinguished speaker, and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as keynote speaker. Gates open at 8 a.m., National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, 2177 Puowaina Drive.
Wahiawa parade and celebration, 10 a.m.
The Wahiawa Lions will hold their 67th annual Veterans Day Parade, led by a joint service color guard and the Royal Hawaiian Band. The parade’s route is along California Avenue, from Kaala Elementary School to Wahiawa District Park. The grand marshals are 442nd Regimental Combat Team veteran Mitsuo Honda and Military Intelligence Service veteran Lawrence Enomoto.
Ceremonies that will be held at the park following the parade will feature guest speaker state Assistant Adjutant General Col. Keith Tamashiro, a flyover by World War II aircraft, and massing of the colors. Activities at the park also include keiki rides and bouncers, food and community booths, and military equipment displays.
For more information, call Carolyn Hayashi at 522-5149 or Rene Mansho at 291-6151.
Waikiki Natatorium, Kapiolani Park, 11 a.m.
Active-duty soldiers will participate in a "ruck march" to the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium prior to observances there.
Carrying 45-pound backpacks, soldiers will march 11 miles in tribute to soldiers from Hawaii who served before them.
"(We) wanted to do something to honor veterans and remind people that Veterans Day is not just another holiday to have a cookout or go to a store sale," Staff Sgt. Leandro Rocha said in a news release.
The march begins at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and once participants reach Kalakaua Avenue, they will be given a motorcycle escort by the American Legion Riders on the march’s final leg to the natatorium, where the VFW’s 17th annual Veterans Day wreath-laying and commemoration will begin at 11 a.m.
The commemoration’s keynote speaker is Charles "Chuck" Patterson, a four-time commander of the American Legion Post 17.
Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe, 1 p.m.
The annual Governor’s Veterans Day Ceremony will begin with a musical prelude by the 111th Army Band of the Hawaii Army National Guard, followed by a conch shell opening featuring the Rev. Manu Mook. The event’s parade of flags and presentation of lei will be carried out by various veterans organizations.
The state Office of Veteran Services will honor former Punchbowl Cemetery Director and retired Marine Corps Col. Gene Castagnetti. The keynote address will be given by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
Civilian attendees are asked to wear aloha attire. Military attendees are asked to dress in Class B or equivalent attire.
Battleship Missouri, Ford Island, 4:30 p.m.
A ceremony in honor of nisei (second-generation U.S.-born Japanese-American citizens) soldiers who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service and 1,399th Engineer Construction Battalion will be held on the fantail of the battleship. The keynote address will be given by Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., U.S. Pacific Fleet commander.
Admission is free. For information or reservations, call 877-644-4896 or visit ussmissouri.org.
