Local News

Honoring our veterans

FIRST PHOTO: Lilly Fernandez, 3, takes it upon herself to right a toppled potted plant fronting the World War I Memorial at Maui Veterans Cemetery during Saturday's Veterans Day service in Makawao. Lilly attended the service with her parents, Joey and Chelsea Fernandez, who are both U.S. Army veterans who served tours in Iraq. Chelsea Fernandez, who helped organize the event along with members of the Korean War Veterans Association Maui No Ka Oi Chapter, said Saturday's service drew a larger turnout than usual. "Today's event went really good," she said. "We just want veterans to come out and be recognized. We want to be able to give them their proper welcome."

SECOND PHOTO: Dan and Lorraine Osako are presented a plaque by Honolulu Korean Consulate Consul Dong Gyu Lee during Saturday's Veteran's Day service. The plaque honored Dan's late father, Clarence Osako, who served two tour in Korea during the Korean War. Lee said his nation has not forgotten its partnership with the United States, nor the sacrifices made by its troops on its behalf. He said the partnership has been going for 70 years and he hopes it can continue for at least another 70 more. Clarence Osako passed away this year at the age of 96.

THIRD PHOTO: Korean War Veterans Association Maui No Ka Oi Chapter member and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Sam Favella salutes while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on Saturday.