KAILUA-KONA — Across the nation on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the same sentiment was echoed — we live in the land of the free because of the brave.
At the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery, Veterans Day was marked with a moving ceremony Monday morning, as it is every year.
Marine Corp veteran Mark “Wingman” Costa stood holding an American flag with the Vietnam Legacy Vets and Support Club, as he has for numerous Veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies.
“Like anybody else I am here to honor veterans and carry on the legacy of Vietnam vets,” he said.
Lt. Col. Loreto Borce Jr, Commander, Pohakuloa Training Area delivered a passionate address in front of a standing room only crowd.
“Today we gather on this hallowed ground, 62 acres of sacred soil, the final resting place of so many of our nation’s veterans, our heroes,” Borce began.
He said that the service members we honor today come from all walks of life, but they share several vital qualities.
“They possess courage, pride, determination, selflessness and dedication to duty and integrity,” he said. “They were called to be something bigger than themselves. They answered to the nation’s cry and were driven to protect it. This date gives us a precious opportunity to come together and reflect on what it means to be a patriot. To what it means to be a nation tested by war and to reflect both the blessings and the cost of liberty.”
“I was fortunate to be born under a warm blanket of freedom. I believe my character was molded and inspired by what has been done by the heroes buried at this memorial and so many other sacred places,” he said.
He paid homage to Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Transfiguration, a Konawaena graduate laid to rest at the cemetery last September.
“He and many others came to this country (from the Philippines) and found their calling. He died Aug 12, 2018, from injuries received from an IED in Helmand Province in Afghanistan,” Borce said. “His name, and the name of others here that I saw when I walked this hallowed ground, should always be remembered and never forgotten.”
Since Gen. George Washington commanded over 240 years ago, more than 40 million Americans have served in our nation’s armed forces, and over 1 million have given their lives in defense of our freedom.
“There can be no doubt that America’s fighting men and women have sacrificed so much to ensure our great nation stayed free,” Borce said. “But I know not all Americans know or understand why we commemorate this occasion, especially today’s younger generation. Culturally we have lost sight of the true meaning of this honorable day. So what happened? When did we lose touch? America as a society has failed to teach the younger generation what this day means. We have become so divisive as a nation, fighting for some social or political cause that we have forgotten those who stood tall defending the rights and liberties that so many misguided citizens exercise.”
He thanked everyone that brought their children to the ceremony.
“This is how we change it,” he said. “This is how we teach them. We need to teach them that it’s not OK to disrespect the flag. We need to teach them to remove their hats, face the flags and place their little hands over their heart when the national anthem is playing. We need to teach them that it’s OK to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as loud and as proud as they can. We need to teach them that America is a beacon of light, a light that shines bright because of the brave men and women that serve their country. It is up to us. It is time to bring back some basic values so that the next generation learns to once again appreciate what it means to be an American. It is our responsibility, our kuleana, and we must not fail.”
David Clark attends every Veterans and Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery as a way to stay connected.
“They do a good job putting on a meaningful ceremony,” said the Navy vet. “I look forward to something old and something new. I find it a fulfilling experience.”
Clark said he has read about Gold Star families and members of the 442nd and was moved to see them at the ceremony.
“From the soldiers who shivered and starved through the winter at Valley Forge to the platoon that patrolled the hazy jungle of Vietnam and to the brave young men and women who fought in the mountains of Afghanistan or the city streets of Iraq, we remember and honor them all because we are forever in debt to those who have given their lives for our liberty,” concluded Borce.