MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- In a show of support for the service members who tragically lost their lives in Afghanistan last week, members of the community brought flowers to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sunday, August 29, 2021. A contingent of local leaders and government officials, led by State Representative Patrick Branco, coordinated this touching tribute. With respect to COVID-19 mitigation measures, a small, private ceremony was held in remembrance of the fallen as the flowers were placed at the Pacific War Memorial near the front gate of the installation.
Later that same evening, a simple prayer service was held at the MCBH Chapel as the base came together to grieve this tremendous loss.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and friends of the service members and civilians killed in Afghanistan last week. Mahalo to our community for their support as we mourn together during this time of tragedy.
The links below contain images from the community tribute.
Flowers are displayed at the Pacific War Memorial during a ceremony held in remembrance of the fallen aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 29, 2021. In support of the service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan, members of the community brought flowers to later be placed at the Pacific War Memorial for a small, private ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Sanchez)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Speros Koumparakis, right, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and Patrick Pihana Branco, left, Hawaii state representative, accompany a community member delivering a bouquet of flowers during a community flower drop off aboard MCBH, Aug. 29, 2021. In support of the service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan, members of the community brought flowers to later be placed at the Pacific War Memorial for a small, private ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Orlando Perez)