Remembering Molokai’s Fallen Soldiers

Memorial Day Service commemorates local veterans.

By Jennifer Smith

For the past 20 years, on the last Monday of May flags proudly adorn the grave markers of veterans throughout Molokai. The flags mark Memorial Day, a time to honor the military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving the United States.

“From Maunaloa all the way to the East End, we put a flag on all of the graves known,” Vietnam veteran Fileman “David” Nanod said. He researched when Memorial Day services began, and discovered that the holiday started after the Civil War.

In order to further honor the men and women of the military, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Kenneth A. Misaki Post 3870 held a Memorial Day service last Saturday in Kaunakakai’s Memorial Park.

Guest speaker Kahu Michael Inouye followed a roll call and ringing of the bell in remembrance of Molokai soldiers who fell during WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam War.

Inouye told the audience that Memorial Day is sometimes called “decoration day” because of the decoration of soldiers’ graves. “We do this so that we remember that something happened.”

“We honor all of the veterans who serve, no matter what their responsibilities,” Inouye said, explaining that every soldier who volunteers for the service is needed. “We respect those who stand up for what is right … we honor all those who have fallen.”