More Than a Day at the Beach

November 11, 2008

For the past 19 years, Floyd Nagoshi has made it his mission to give us an opportunity to do what we should do on that national holiday: honor our country’s veterans. 

On Veterans Day 1989 Nagoshi was watching the evening news and saw a story on a Veterans Day parade that is held each year in Kailua.

“I realized that we needed to organize something on Maui to thank the veterans who live in this community,” said Nagoshi, son of Noburo Nagoshi, 442nd RCT, Company E. “Otherwise, it’s like any other holiday – pick up a bento lunch, go beach, hang out with family and friends.

The first program was held in 1990 at Maui Mall.  Kaoru Moto, who at that time was the Mauian with the highest military service medal (the Distinguished Service Cross, which was posthumously upgraded in 2001 to the Medal of Honor), presented a flower wreath as a tribute to the veterans of the 442nd RCT, 100th Infantry Battalion, 552nd Field Artillery, MIS and 1399 Engineering Company.

A few years later the Korean War Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3850 joined Nagoshi’s efforts.  100th Infantry and 442nd RCT veterans are loyal attendees of the event, and the Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans lend a hand every year.  Kahului Florist donated a wreath for the inaugural ceremony, and has donated a floral arrangement every year since.

The ceremony, which is now held at the Queen Kaahumanu Center, always begins at 11 am on the 11th day of November. Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, which marked the anniversary of Germany signing an armistice with the Allies on the 11th hour of the 11th day of 11th month of 1918, thus ending major hostilities in WWI.

Over the years Nagoshi has arranged for many top notch entertainers, including Raiatea Helm, Uluwehi Guererro, Sheldon Brown, and Merv Owana, to volunteer their time to the event. William Staton, who recently retired from the State of Hawaii’s Office of Veterans Services, always volunteers as master of ceremonies, and Michael Carpio donates his sound system expertise.

“I know it sounds trite, but freedom is not free,” concludes Nagoshi. “It takes the sacrifice of many service men and women – and their families.  The least we can all do is take some time on Veterans Day to thank those who have served – and are currently serving – in our country’s armed forces.  Better yet, instead of just on Veterans Day – let’s make it a point to think of them and thank them every day.”