Posted on: Friday, July 1, 2005

Feelings run deep at 2nd 'Patriot' event

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Central O'ahu Writer

Gio Carvalho has a deeper appreciation for patriotism today than she did a year ago.

The 25-year-old wife of Daniel Carvalho, a Hawai'i Army National Guard specialist serving in Iraq, said: "With my husband gone, we look at patriotic things in a different light. The Fourth of July isn't just for barbecues or an extra day off from work anymore. I'm really appreciative of what our men and women are sacrificing to give us a life that's meaningful."

Gio Carvalho, her 7-month-old daughter Gianiel, and sister Aveni Fernandez, whose husband Francis is also serving in Iraq, will be among the participants in tomorrow's second annual 'Ewa Beach Patriot Walk/Run, which starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai'i Hale Pono Clubhouse on Fort Weaver Road.

The event is free and open to the public. Participants can walk or run either a 1- or 3-mile course. Everyone is encouraged to wear red, white and blue. Patriotic hats, scarves, flags and T-shirts will be on sale.

Gio, her husband and sister live in 'Ewa Beach and all are Campbell High graduates.

The mood tomorrow is likely to be patriotic.

In the inaugural event, Angel Galas, who served 28 years in the Navy, carried a 6-foot pole displaying a large American flag for three miles. He plans to do it again this year.

"The flag means everything to me," said the 67-year-old Galas, who was born in the Philippines. "It is about freedom and liberty, about family and hope. It has carried me through the highs and lows. Most importantly it represents the sacrifices that so many made so that we can be free."

Kymberly Pine, chairwoman of the event, said veterans and active military personnel will be honored in tomorrow's opening ceremonies.

"Many families in our community are feeling the absence of their loved ones who are deployed," Pine said. "This event gives all of us an opportunity to honor the sacrifices that they are making on our behalf.

"Veterans will also be honored in our opening ceremony this year. We especially want to appreciate the Vietnam veterans. They didn't get the recognition they deserved when they returned home. "

Free health screenings, family games and food will be available.

Reach Rod Ohira at 535-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.