West Hawai’i Memorial Day ceremony sends prayers for peace

On Monday morning, Rance Pinao sat at the entrance of the West Hawai’i Veterans Cemetery, serving as “Sgt. of Arms” for the annual Memorial Day ceremony hosted this year by Kona American Legion Post 20.

Pinao’s father fought in World War II. And Pinao, a Big Island resident of Native Hawaiian and Okinawan descent, served 37 months in Vietnam.

Pinao said he joined the military because he wasn’t afraid. But now he believes there may be better solutions to preventing conflict in the future. He also thinks getting involved in current wars like that being fought by Ukraine and Russia is not wise.

“I’m not anti-war or anti-vet, but what we need to do is stay out of other people’s business —that’s all there is to it,” he said.

A lesson he learned from Vietnam was to be cautious of involving yourself in the affairs of others.

“That’s how we ended up in Vietnam. We went over there to help the French, but they left us there to fend for ourselves,” he said. “We find peace by staying out of other people’s wars.”

Pinao was among a few dozen people who attended the Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the United States military.

The event began with a touching chant by Kahu Keala Ching, who said the pule referenced the place, from Hualālai to South Kohala. The West Hawai’i Band played, and there were speeches and prayers.

Susan Bickell, a commander for the Kona American Legion Post 20, said different organization take turns hosts the annual gathering: “This year it’s our turn.”

Keoni Chillingworth, a volunteer with Hawai’i Medical Reserve Corps, a group of retired medical professionals that are called to local events to provide first aid assistance, said he thought Monday’s ceremony provided the audience with a moment of gratitude and reflection.

“I’m here thanking those that served and gave the ultimate sacrifice, and to let them know they’re appreciated,” he said.

Chillingworth said he was personally thinking about his classmate whom he joined Junior ROTC with in school. His name was Nainoa, and he died in Afghanistan.

“Every time I have a beer, I say, ‘Thank you, Nainoa,'” he said. “Thank you for giving me the freedoms that I have today.”