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Medal of Valor dedicated at
Tomb of the Unknowns
By Capt. Charles J. Anthony & Sgt. 1st
Class Stephen M. Lum
Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano,
Hawaii's veterans organizations representatives, and National Guard
members dedicated the State of Hawaii Medal of Valor, on behalf of the
people of Hawaii, on June 25 at the Arlington National Cemetery in
Arlington, Va.
Hawaii citizens (military and civilian) are eligible for the Medal of
Valor for performing an uncommon act of personal heroism involving the
voluntary risk of his/her own life, or for a self-sacrifice so conspicuous
as to be distinctly above and beyond the call of duty.
The shadow box encased
Medal of Valor is dedicated to all military personnel, from Hawaii, who
gave their lives in service to their country. Hawaii is the 50th state to
dedicate a State medal at Arlington.
"You have defended our country, defeated tyranny, and liberated the
oppressed. It is because of you that we are here today," said Gov.
Cayetano, thanking the veterans for their service.
"Hawaii has always contributed more than what was expected to the
defense of America and her ideals. "With deep respect, I thank you
for your loyalty, dedication, and patriotic service, and stand here in awe
of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Cayetano.
Joichi Muramatsu, Alfred Los Banos, Tasmania S. Samuela and Sgt. 1st Class
Aaron R. Pollick, representing veterans of World War II, Korean and
Vietnam Wars, and the design team presented the Medal Of Valor to The Old
Guard (U.S. Army 3rd Army) at Arlington National Cemetery before the
formal ceremony. Maj. Gen. Robert F. Foley, commanding general of the
Military District of Washington, hosted the ceremony. Foley is the only
Medal of Honor recipient in active service.
The Medal of Valor
presentation at Arlington was made by Cayetano and Maj. Gen. Edward V.
Richardson, the adjutant general. Cayetano also placed a wreath at the
Tomb of the Unknowns. Also in attendance were U.S. Congressman Neil S.
Abercrombie, National Guard Bureau Chief Lt. Gen. Edward D. Baca,
representatives from Hawaii's veterans organizations, Hawaii Military
Affairs Council, and Hawaii National Guard.
After the ceremony at Arlington, the veterans met with Hershel Gober,
Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs nominee and the National
Guard Association of the United States staff.
The airlift to Washington, D.C. was provided by the 203rd Air Refueling
Squadron. The once in-a-life time deployment was approved by the National
Guard Bureau.
The veterans began their whirlwind tour of Washington, D.C. with a visit
to the Pentagon. The tour concluded with a briefing about the Guard's
important role in Total Force mission by Dan Donohue, chief of Public
Affairs, National Guard Bureau.
The next day was filled with tours to the memorials and the Smithsonian
Museums.
Vietnam veterans like sergeants Louis Kaoiwi, Thomas Kaulukukui, Tasmania
Samuela and retired Lt. Col. Thomas Stirling sought out names of comrades
posted on the Vietnam Wall.
Kaulukukui found his friend Frederick D. Greene's name etched on the wall.
"I met his mother and family while I was on leave," said
Kaulukukui. "I've made it a point to call his family every Memorial
Day and Veterans Day. His mom sent the Greene family's bassinet to us, and
all my kids were raised in it."
Also, after looking at the Lincoln, World War II, and Korean memorials, it
was on to the American History Museum, where displays featuring the wars
in Europe and Southeast Asia hit home for many. All the delegates joined
the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry veterans viewing photos and
memorabilia of life on the front lines and at home, depicting both
discrimination and patriotism.
Before returning home, the veterans had a tour of the Capitol and
individual visits by U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka,
Congresswoman Patsy Mink and Congressman Abercrombie.
Veteran Howard Furumoto, a second lieutenant with the military
intelligence section, and "Merrill's Marauders" said the
Washington trip enabled him to pay tribute to his fallen comrades. The
D.C. trip also gave him the opportunity to meet and talk with the Hawaii
Congressional delegates.
"I know I speak for everyone when I say to Maj. Gen. Richardson, Lt.
Col. Pat Casey, Maj. Mike Wong, the aircrew, and all the Hawaii Guard
personnel thank you for making the Medal of Valor trip a rewarding
experience for all of us," said retired Lt. Gen. Thomas Rienzie at
the conclusion of the trip.
The medal was designed by a team of Hawaii Guard soldiers led by Pollick
in 1994. At the top of the white ring of the medal is the Hawaiian phrase
KU I KA HANO-HANO (Stand in Honor) researched and submitted by Sgt. 1st
Class Louis "Moon" Kaukahi. The guidelines were drafted by Maj.
Michael C.K. Wong.
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