Remember, Honor & Inspire

November 8, 2008

Competitive juices were flowing at our 6th annual benefit event, Remember, Honor, and Inspire, which was held on November 8, 2008 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club. 

In preparation for the construction of our Education Building, lunch patrons were divided into groups to answer questions about the Nisei soldiers and their legacy. 

The prize was the right to get digestive juices flowing by being first in line at the buffet tables.

With so much at stake, teams took their responsibilities very seriously and there was much discussion and intense concentration!

The keynote speaker for this year’s event was University of Hawaii at West Oahu Chancellor Gene Awakuni.  In a very personal and moving address, Awakuni recalled how his life has been influenced by the values passed on by the Nisei generation.

“I remember having to help my Dad when he worked as a mason.  I used to have to dig footing in preparation for pouring the concrete foundation for a house.  It was hard work and I hated it.  When I thought I had done enough, I’d call him over, he’d see how deep I’d dug and he’d say, “go down another six inches.”  I’d reply, “Why? Nobody going see, nobody going know.”  He’d say, “Yeah, but the house going know.

“I didn’t know what he meant then, but I do now.  The structural integrity of a building depends on a sound foundation.  Integrity; doing the right thing, even when no one is looking is what my Dad always did.  Working hard every day, sacrificing on behalf of family, without complaint.  This is emblematic of the Nisei generation, a core value that we who have followed owe so very much.”

Awakuni went on to describe the profound changes brought about by the Nisei veterans when they returned from war, and concluded by saying, “I believe it all started here where returning WWII GIs envisioned better opportunities for their children and grandchildren and set about in their humble but determined way to achieve a good place for all….  It is now up to us and our children and grandchildren to dream the big dreams and carry your legacy forward.”

Our thanks to Mike Victorino for serving as a lively and engaging master of ceremonies, to the Kahului Union Gospel Singers for their delightful serenading, to Lana Quedding for lending her beautiful voice to lead us in the singing of the national anthem and Hawaii Pono’i, and Floyd Nagoshi for his lunch time guitar music.

Our thanks to the Baldwin High School Junior ROTC color guard.  Many veterans noted that the color guard is improving each year, and were pleased to learn that the BHS JROTC won the armed drill team crown at the 2008 West Point Society meet on Oahu.  Their drill instructor is Paulo Falefaine, a retired Hawaii Army National Guard lieutenant.

Thanks to all for making it a great event.  See you again in November for our 7th annual event.

Arigato Gozaimashita

Our thanks to the many people and businesses that helped to make our 6th annual benefit event a great success.

Veterans Table Sponsors

This year, thanks to the generosity of our Veterans Table Sponsors, we were able to offer a special $10 price for Nisei veterans, wives and widows.

• Arisumi Brothers, Inc.
• Maui Chemical and Paper Products, Inc.
• Miyake Concrete
• Service Rental and Supplies
• VIP Food Service

Corporate Table Sponsors

Our thanks to the Corporate Table Sponsors who contribute a generous $1,500 to attend our event.

• A&B Properties
• Arisumi Brothers, Inc.
• Beppu Realty
• Central Pacific Bank
• First Hawaiian Bank
• Hale Mahaolu
• Kahului Carpet
• NAPA United Auto Parts
• Service Rental and Supplies

Event donations

• Wailuku Rapid Print/Printers Inc. for invitations
• Ali’i Leis for the lei to honor our guests and veterans
• Kahului Florist for floral arrangement for the stage

Teacup Sponsor

• Arisumi Brothers, Inc.
• Maui Chemical and Paper Products and Royal Hawaiian Express for shipping the teacups