Kona American Legion Post 20 and Kona Elks Lodge 2616 conducted a military and first responders appreciation night and a 9/11 ceremony on Sept. 11 for the Kona community. Six televisions played war movies, basic training movies, military movies and military music to set the mood. The lodge had numerous military displays, from Vietnam, Desert Storm, the war on terrorism, service flags and patriotic decorations. The military recruiters and Veterans Administration had tables set up to provide information, handouts and pamphlets. Kealakehe and Konawaena JROTC cadets performed a color guard, assisted in all the veteran challenges and served the dinner. Most veterans wore their old uniforms or uniform parts. Post 20 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 7 were well represented. There were also members of Veterans of Foreign War Post 12122.
After a half-hour of camaraderie and war stories, there were five challenges for the veterans. The JROTC cadets and Marine recruiter put them through their paces. There was a drill challenge, where the veterans had to perform different movements and positions, i.e., “attention”, “right face”, “present arms”, etc. There was a grenade toss (corn hole), flag quiz, military quiz and map quiz utilizing topographic maps and compasses. The veterans had a great time. Some said they hadn't done some of these things since basic training. There was a fantastic interplay between all the veterans and JROTC cadets. All enjoyed these challenges, and there was a small prize at each station for all participants and a grand prize awarded to the overall winner. Each JROTC cadet was issued a United States silver dollar for their participation and service.
Following the challenge, we had our formal 9/11 ceremony. The JROTC conducted a color guard, followed by "The Star- Spangled Banner" and Pledge of Allegiance. Our guest speaker spoke about the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the effects on our country, and the need for a strong and vigilant military. The chaplain gave a presentation of the missing person/chair for the MIA/POW table, explaining the significance of the table and the endless pursuit for every military person missing in action. He then said the blessing before the meal. Our senior master chief (retired) cooked a delicious meal featuring “Navy beef stew.” All the veterans and cadets were issued a real military meals ready to eat (MRE) packet. The old guys asked where the four cigarettes were.
It was an outstanding evening of camaraderie, war stories, friendship, fun and merriment. It was also an evening of remembrance of the numerous battles and campaigns that were fought by our veterans, their sacrifices, wounds and bravery. We must never forget and educate our youth and citizens of the events that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001, and their aftermath.
LTC Daniel Malakie (R)
Commander
Kona Post 20
