MAKAWAO - A group of combat veterans has fallen short on funds for a memorial honoring Purple Heart soldiers in Maui County.
The fundraising effort by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Maui County Chapter No. 779, began last May and has garnered only about $3,500 of the $6,000 it needs to have the memorial made. The group is still soliciting donations.
The veterans had hoped to erect a memorial in November at the Veterans Cemetery in Makawao. They want to construct the memorial out of granite and stone in the design and size of similar memorials around the country at 4 feet high and 5 feet long.
The purpose is to recognize the service and sacrifices of the Purple Heart recipients with Maui roots.
Joslyn Minobe, the sister of Vietnam war veteran Nelson Jacintho, a Purple Heart recipient, said she's not giving up on the fundraising campaign.
"I think it's something that has to be done. For me, it's personal," Minobe said.
She recalled recently how concerned yet proud her family was for Jacintho when he served during the war. "I remember when he got hurt and how worried we all were," she said.
Minobe said money raised so far for the memorial has come from contributions by businesses and individuals who responded to a letter for assistance and to an article that was published about the memorial plans last May.
Minobe said there are no fundraising events planned but she hopes to organize another fundraising drive soon.
In the meantime, tax-deductible donations can be sent to: The Military Order of the Purple Heart, PO Box 751, Puunene 96784.
Minobe promises to mail receipts to donors. For information, call Minobe at 572-1129.
