Posted on: Friday, April 22, 2005

EDITORIAL
Let's send our military a big 'mahalo nui loa'

Hawai'i has been generous in showing its daily aloha to the armed forces and their families who are making such enormous sacrifices for our country, particularly during these times of deployment to the Middle East.

Now, with many of the troops coming home and the Guard's recent dispatch, there is a special reason to send a warm mahalo. May is Military Appreciation Month, an observance kicked off last night in gala fashion at an opening ceremony and reception at the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Among the events planned this month are a special "Salute to the Troops" May 1 at the Bishop Museum, a twilight "tattoo" concert May 7 at Fort DeRussy, a band concert May 14 at the Hawai'i Theatre and a luncheon May 18 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

These events provide occasions for military and civilian communities to come together, even as both become increasingly intertwined. Indeed, our military community has increasingly become part of our island fabric, more involved in communities and their cultures.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i, the principal sponsor and planner of Military Appreciation events, has set the theme: "Welcoming home our returning heroes, honoring our fallen sons and daughters, praying for the safe return of those that remain in harm's way." Clearly these are sentiments that all can endorse.