Veterans Day: More than Just Nov. 11

By Diane Abraham

On this past Wednesday, Nov. 10, my fourth graders at Kualapu`u School found out first-hand that Nov. 11 was more than just a holiday and a day without school. We were honored to have two veterans who had served in Vietnam come and share their mana`o and answer questions.  Many thanks to Larry Helm and Bo Mahoe for their time and insight as 20 fourth grade boys and girls got to find out the sacrifices and experiences that our veterans go through for our freedoms, as well as the things our military men and women do to benefit others during times of natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
 
Veterans give up time from family and friends in ways that most of us cannot fathom. For these American heroes, it’s not about being honored on one day each year. Generally, it’s a 24/7 duty that involves humane decisions. If Nov. 11 came and went without you thanking a veteran, please do so now: it’s more than just a one day thing.