Military appreciation events set
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
More than double the number of Hawai'i-based troops have deployed to the Middle East than served in Vietnam, and Hawai'i businesses are doing what they can to support them, according to the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i.
A number of activities have been planned in May for the 19th annual observance of Hawai'i Military Appreciation Month. The families of almost 10,000 troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored, said chamber president Jim Tollefson.
Among the events:
April 28 and 29 — The Honolulu Academy of Arts will offer a tour for military spouses.
April 29 — Bank of Hawai'i and The Honolulu Advertiser will sponsor opening ceremonies at the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
May 1 — The commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) will host a traditional military Twilight Tattoo at Fort DeRussy, beginning at 4 p.m.
May 2 — The Bishop Museum will host Military Family Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 per person or $10 for a family of four.
May 1-8 — Paradise Cove will host Military Appreciation Nights from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Discounted tickets will be available through military MWR, ITT and ITR offices.
May 14-15 — The Polynesian Cultural Center will host its annual Military Days program. Discounted tickets are available through military MWR, ITT and ITR offices.
May 15 — AT&T sponsors the annual Combined Military Band Concert at the Hawai'i Theatre from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call 545-4300, extension 391, for details.
May 15 — Living History Day will be sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank and hosted by the Hawai'i Army Museum Society at Fort DeRussy from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Includes a new exhibit honoring Hawai'i's Gen. Eric Shinseki, former U.S. Army chief of staff.
May 19 — First Hawaiian Bank and Alexander & Baldwin Inc. will sponsor the annual Military Recognition Luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki from noon to 1:15 p.m. The cost is $38.50 per person, or $375 for a table of 10. Call 545-4300, extension 391, or register online at www.cochawaii .org.
May 22 — Marine Aircraft Group 24 will hold the 8th annual MAG-24 Spirit Marathon at Marine Corps Base Hawai'i in Kane'ohe, starting at 7 a.m. The event includes a 500-meter swim, a bike ride and a 3.5-mile run. Open to military personnel and the public. Call MCCS Athletics at 254-7590 or 254-7591 for details or to register.
Updates to the list of events may be viewed at www.cochawaii.org.
Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or at kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.
