KANEOHE, ISLAND OF OAHU, Hawaii -- KANEOHE--In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for American's veterans.
Realizing the importance of the sacrifices veterans have made, Congress was requested to make a day to honor those who have served America in all wars. It was in 1954 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.
The 2003 Governor's Veterans Day Ceremony was held at the Hawaiian State Veterans Cemetery Nov. 11 and placed special emphasis on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War and on Hawaii's Korean War veterans.
Hundreds of men, women and children - many of them veterans of the Korean War - gathered to pay homage to the men and women who gallantly gave their lives for this country. Along with them, more than 50 veterans organizations were present from every branch of the service.
The ceremony opened with the harmonious tunes of the "Star Spangled Banner" followed by the Korean National Anthem in honor of Korean veterans who were present at the ceremony.
Representatives from all branches of the service, to include the Joint Services Color Guard and the Hawaii Royal Guard, looked sharp as they posted the colors and the audience rose to its feet.
"Today is the day we honor all those who served and gave their lives so we can be free," said Father Richard Rubie, a reverend with the St. Francis of Assisi Celtic Catholic Church, after the posting of the colors. "We can never compensate the men and women who served our country in combat and paid the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield. We can only make sure they are never forgotten."
As many of the Korean War veterans dried tears from their eyes, Army Maj. Gen. Robert G. F. Lee, adjutant general for the state of Hawaii, gave the welcoming remarks.
"Fifty years ago a bloody war came to an end," said Maj. Gen. Lee, midway through the ceremony. "Freedom is not free. Our veterans paid the price for our freedom and today is the day we set aside to thank the veterans and their families."
The Honorable Linda Lingle, governor of the state of Hawaii, gave the Veterans Day address. Lingle expressed gratitude not only for the veterans of past wars, but also the service men and women who are currently deployed overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"There is a great sense of sadness for the lives lost in combat," said Lingle. "Along with the sadness, there is also gratitude for the men and women who made sacrifices so we can remain free. The veterans in the Korean War fought to stop the expansion of communism into South Korea, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice.
"I offer my prayers to the veterans of wars in the past and to our service members who are risking their lives today."
After her speech, Lingle and Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, along with representatives of the People to People International Korean Contingent, placed a wreath honoring veterans.
As many veterans sat in silence and remembered their fallen comrades, the silence was broken by a rifle salute performed by Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 24 aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.
The 111th Army Band played "Taps" right before the distinct sounds of helicopters overhead in a flyover by pilots of the Hawaii Army National Guard.
The ceremony came to an end after the Joint Services Color Guard and the Hawaii Royal Guard retired the colors.
"The ranks of the Korean War veterans grow thinner and thinner every day," said Rubie after the ceremony. "The battles we fought together have left an indelible mark in our minds, and those who gave their lives fighting for freedom must never be forgotten," he said in retrospect.