Everyone Loves A Parade!

News Release from www.HIVetParade.org

What: Hawai‘i Island Veterans Day Parade November 7, starting at 10 a.m., Downtown Hilo

Major General Arthur “Joe” Logan, the Adjutant General (TAG) for the State of Hawaii, willbe honored as military grand marshal of the eighth annual Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary to Post 3830 (Pahoa) will also be honored during this year’s parade as community parade marshal. The parade will start at10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in downtown Hilo.

This year’s parade theme, “Celebrate Service,” is intended to honor veterans, celebrate community service, and inspire us with many ways to serve. All veterans, businesses, community service groups, and their families are encouraged to participate or watch.

Logan was appointed as the Hawaii TAG on January 1, 2015. He is a combat veteran with over 36 years of military service, and oversees the training and readiness of 5,500 Soldiers and Airmen of the Hawaii National Guard. He also serves as the Director, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, provides direct support to the Office of Veterans Services, and is the Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor. As a combat veteran, “Logan well understands the importance of service to the nation and its value within our communities,” said Wendell Kaehuaea, the vice chair of this annual event.

Taking over from chair emeritus Dan Kama, this year’s parade chair is Colonel (Retired) Deb Lewis. A combat veteran with nearly 34 years in uniform, she worked side-by-side with the National Guard in Iraq and in her last assignment in Washington State. Lewis shared, “It is our honor to have MG Logan as this year’s grand marshal. The National Guard, our citizen soldiers, serve our communities, state, and country in many ways. Military personnel regularly risk their lives to keep us safe from all types of manmade and natural threats, both foreign and domestic. The Guard has proudly held that tradition for almost 400 years.”

This year’s community parade marshal, the VFW Auxiliary to Post 3830, really understands the many ways each of us, separately and together, can make a difference in the lives of others. The Auxiliary works closely with many groups to assist those who need all types of support, especially veterans, who can often be the most reluctant to seek help.

Lewis and husband Doug Adams (a veteran and parade secretary) were introduced to the Auxiliary at a breakfast right before Adams finished an 18,067 mile bike ride to all 50 states in one year- the Duty, Honor, America Tour – to honor veterans and families. “Most people want to help. Sometimes they are unaware how easy it is for them to improve the quality of life of others in important ways. Teaming up with the VFW Auxiliary and other community-based or veteran support organizations is a great way to benefit everyone,” said Adams.

“We are calling for all veterans to join the parade on Nov. 7, and inviting our island community – businesses, service groups and their families – to participate and be inspired in some way to Celebrate Service,” said Lewis.

Be sure to check out our parade plans, find out about our talented parade units, and the many ways you can “Help Our Heroes” at www.HIVetParade.org.

All Veterans, bands, horses, floats, military vehicles and community groups will form up at the staging area near the King Kamehameha statue on Bishop Street. After the helicopter orchid drop, the roaring thunder of parade motorcyclists will lead off the parade shortly after 10 a.m.

The parade route in Hilo will start makai of Pauahi Street and travel mauka to Kilauea Avenue. Next, it will travel north through downtown Hilo until it reaches Waianuenue Avenue and then makai until Kamehameha Avenue. Traveling along Hilo Bayfront, it will return to the starting point. A large American flag and the official reviewing stand will be along Kamehameha Avenue near the soccer field road entrance.

“The Veterans Day Parade can only be held with the generous support of local business and individuals, and through fundraising efforts,” said Kaehuaea. “Our committee members are strictly volunteers who give of their time and efforts to support and organize this parade because of the importance to recognize our Hawaii Island veterans and ohana.” For more information, call Kaehuaea at 640-1435 or email him at bivetparade@yahoo.com.