FIRST PHOTO: Hawaii Army National Guard members Staff Sgt. Jaypee Pardo (from right), Pfc. Aldrin Ibarra and Spc. Sopia Rodil raise the Philippine flag in front of the Maui County building, Kalana O Maui, during a ceremony Tuesday marking the start of Filipino American History Month.

SECOND PHOTO: Mayor’s Office Executive Assistant Sharon Banaag sings the Philippine national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” Tuesday morning as Hawaii Army National Guard Pfc. Aldrin Ibarra raises the country’s flag. The flag raising ceremony helped kick off the start of Filipino American History Month. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen (background) noted the event was being held on the eight-week anniversary of the catastrophic wildfires that decimated Lahaina and claimed 20 homes Upcountry. He said that while it was a tribute to the “rich history and contribution of Filipino Americans,” it was also a “tribute to what we have lost.” Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Vice President Glenn Casil said the fires cast a shadow over the usually festive celebration. “We cannot forget while we are celebrating our heritage that more than 50 percent of the people impacted by the Lahaina fire were of Filipino heritage,” Casil said. Pledging his organization’s continued support, Casil said he hoped for the “beginning of a healing journey.”