A contingency of Boy Scouts, family members and National Guardsmen placed flags on veterans’ graves Saturday at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery.
Because of COVID-19, there will not be a Veterans Day ceremony at the cemetery this year, but West Hawaii veterans interned at the “Arlington of the Pacific” will still be honored.
Maj. Albert Ne, Hawaii National Guard Hawaii Island Task Force Commander, told the adults gathered that they have to look at what they are teaching our kids.
“It is important for us to teach the kids not only service to country, but service to all,” he said.
Addressing the scouts, Ne said every time he sees them putting flags on the final resting place of our veterans he is humbled.
“For us veterans, those here and those who have been deployed, we are truly grateful for what you have done,” said Ne.
Scoutmaster Glenn Hirowatari said scouts across the nation place flags on graves at more than 150 national cemeteries.
“It’s a Boy Scout tradition. It is a ‘thank you’ to the vets for their service,” he said.