Marines

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HONOLULU - Navy veterans from the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment carry the Veterans of Foreign Wars wreath to the podium Nov. 11, 2014 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The laying of the wreaths is meant to give remembrance to past service members of multiple units represented. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Harley Thomas)

Photo by Pfc. Harley Thomas

Thanking those who serve

14 Nov 2014 | Pfc. Harley Thomas Marine Corps Base Hawaii

The Oahu Veterans Council and, the co-sponsor, Honolulu Veterans Administration Regional Office hosted the 96th annual commemoration of Veterans Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Nov. 11, 2014.

The Veterans Day ceremony was held to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of all past and present service members. Lt. Gen. John Toolan, the commanding general for U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, said that they had gathered for the remembrance of our veterans and their families.

"It’s good for us to visit those graves and realize how important their lives have been,” Toolan said. “On Veterans Day, I remember those I served with and reflect on those who have died and all the families who have lost them.” Toolan said events like the ceremony are important for everyone and not just those who have served.

“Veterans Day is not just for veterans,” Toolan said. “It is for everyone who has ever gained something from the sacrifice of those veterans. People should know that freedom isn’t free and I think everyone should reflect on that.”

Col. Douglas Jackson, a retired Army veteran serving as a senior army instructor with the Kahuku High School JROTC, said that it’s important for the cadets to know how their lives have been affected by the acts of past service members.

“We bring (the cadets) here to make them better citizens,” Jackson said. “Visiting with the veterans shows them what service really means and what it’s all about. It was moving to them and I think it has left quite an impact.”

Jackson said whether or not the cadets decide to join the service, at least they will understand what sacrifices have been made.

Lt. Gen. Henry Stackpole, the former commanding general for MARFORPAC, said the purpose of the ceremony was to show respect to those who served or gave their life for the good of the people.

“We want those men and women to know we appreciate them and we recognize their sacrifices,” Stackpole said. “We respect their service, whether it’s a long or short career, we should continue to fight to be the symbol of freedom.”

Being in that cemetery, surrounded by the names of those who served, was a very emotional thing, Stackpole said. He said we shouldn’t make Veterans Day a one-day thing, but rather, we should think and pray for our veterans often.

"All around us, people who gave their lives lay where they were put to rest,” Stackpole said. “They gave up their lives, and that’s something that should never be for nothing.”

 

 


Marine Corps Base Hawaii