Local News

Honoring heroes on Memorial Day

First Photo: Boy Scout Troop 100 of Kula Scout Luke Sereda, 11, makes sure an American flag is properly situated Saturday morning at Maui Veterans Cemetery. Sereda was part of a group of Scouts who placed flags by every grave in preparation for this morning's Memorial Day ceremonies. "I feel these people were special," Sereda said. "I feel honored to put American flags on their graves and to respect them." Ceremonies at the cemetery will begin at 8:30 a.m. today with a dedication of the Vietnam War Monument, followed by music, speeches, a reading of veterans' names and a shower of 10,000 rose petals dropped by helicopters.

Second Photo: Boy Scout Troop 100 of Kula Life Scout Ayvin Vargas, 15, straightens a flag in front of a grave at Maui Veterans Cemetery on Saturday. "It's an honor," Vargas said.

Third Photo: Dennis Koyanagi places flowers at his uncle Masaru Nitahara's grave Saturday after the Scouts finished placing their flags at Maui Veterans Cemetery. He said he was impressed with the Scouts' efforts. On Sunday morning, Maui Girl Scouts placed lei on every grave.