The Waianae community salutes veterans during a parade in a previous year. (Courtesy photo)
The national holiday will be observed Monday, Nov. 11. The following events are taking place on Oahu to honor veterans:
Wednesday, Nov. 6
1:30 p.m. – The Mayor’s Office Recognition Award Ceremony for Key Spouses at Honolulu Hale. One spouse per service will be recognized by the Navy League and Mayor Kirk Caldwell of the City and County of Honolulu.
Saturday, Nov. 9
5-5:30 p.m. – Key spouse recognition at the University of Hawaii-Manoa Rainbow Warriors versus San Jose State Spartans Football Military Appreciation Game at Aloha Stadium.
6 p.m. – UH-Manoa Rainbow Warriors versus San Jose State Spartans Military Appreciation Game will be played at Aloha Stadium.
Monday, Nov. 11
9 a.m. — This year’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as Punchbowl, will honor veterans, as well as active duty and reserve service members and their families. This event, hosted by the Oahu Veterans Center, is free and open to the public, but it is recommended that attendees arrive early because parking is limited. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is located at 2177 Puowaina Drive. For more information, visit facebook.com/oahuveteranscenter/events.
11 a.m. — The 2019 Veteran's Day celebration is a free event co-hosted and supported by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Friends of the Natatorium, Natatorium Centennial Commission members and a number of veterans’ organizations. It will take place at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the Natatorium War Memorial, 2815 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. Included in this year's program are a color guard from U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and 8th Theater Sustainment Command; musicians from U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT); support from the 25th Infantry Division chaplain; a speech bythe Marine Corps Base Hawaii sergeant major; a flyover by vintage aircraft from Vintage Aviation; and guest speakers from national and local veteras' organizations. This inclusive event, which has been going strong for over 20 years, pays tribute to Hawaii's veterans, past and present, paying particular attention to those World War I veterans and the Natatorium War Memorial.
4-6 p.m. — Veterans Day ceremonies culminate at the Battleship Missouri Memorial on Ford Island. This ceremony honors those who have served our country with valor and heroism, and pays special tribute to brave veterans of all generations.The event is free and open to the public. For more details or reservations, call (toll-free) 1-877-644-4896 or visit USSMissouri.org.