Residents feel patriotic as they honor veterans during annual parade following Election Day
Local leaders, businesses, organizations, marching bands and community members gather to honor Hawaiʻi's veterans during the 19th annual Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Day Parade in Hilo.
Keiki waved small American flags in the air Saturday as high school bands played patriotic tunes and veterans and their families waved from decorated trailers and trucks.
The 19th annual Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Day parade in Hilo was held over the weekend in the lead up to today’s solemn federal holiday.
On Saturday, a few days after the General Election, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda who won re-election, was at the parade: “I am really grateful because I won’t be in Hawaiʻi on Veterans Day, so I feel really blessed that Hilo does celebrate on a Saturday, so I can mahalo our veterans before going back to D.C.”
Tokuda said she was excited to see the large “blue wave” that washed over the country last week and said that it was a crystal clear message from the nation. She plans to get to the hard work quickly even while the lame duck majority remains in Congress until January.
“It was amazing to see the blue tsunami, but at the end of the day, itʻs about how we’re going to leverage the majority to do good for everyday people in our communities,” Tokuda said. “So I feel like you have to ground yourself in community and surround yourself with good people who know what service above self actually means.
“For me, this is the best place I could be before jumping on the plane (Sunday).”
Beth DeYoung tries to attend the parade every year with her father, a Vietnam War veteran.
“Today feels a little more special because I feel a little more pride in my country right now,” DeYoung said. “Veterans Day for me is easy because I have so much pride for my dad and everything he’s done, but every other day can be difficult in the world we’re living in. I am happy to see that people are ready for a change.”
The Grand Marshal for the 2026 parade was Veterans of Foreign Wars 3875 and Auxiliary, led by Commander Rankin Gossert. The Community Parade Marshal was The Arc of Hilo, and the Business Parade Marshal was Orchid Isle Ford.
Gulf War veteran James Turner participated in the parade with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3875 and enjoyed being part of the parade instead of watching.
“It’s nice to see the community come out and to feel the positive energy from everyone,” Turner said. “This is a great way to fellowship together as veterans from Vietnam to Korea to Gulf War to Desert Storm. It’s really cool, actually.”
According to Turner, he often feels unacknowledged except by other veterans or current service members.
“When there is a moment of recognition from the general public, it stands out and is meaningful,” Turner said.
The parade featured a variety of participants, including military units, local leaders, business and community floats, as well as the 143-year-old Hawaiʻi County Band and marching bands from Hawaiʻi Island schools.
Just like previous years, Taishoji Taiko closed the parade with an active and captivating drum performance.
Retired Army Col. Debra Lewis, chair of the Veterans Day Parade, walked the parade route, supporting the participants and saying hi to attendees.
“The goal for the parade this year is to honor those who have served as well as the many ways we can all contribute to making our community stronger,” Lewis said. “I always appreciate the families that bring their kids with them to the parade and other veteran events, because it helps teach them the importance of remembrance and that there are real people behind the things they learn about at school or at home.”
The Arc of Hilo was chosen as this year’s Community Parade Marshal because of how they take care of the island and those living with disabilities every day, Lewis said.
“The Arc of Hilo is just one organization that truly takes care and uplifts its participants and families,” Lewis said. “They are a wonderful example of service and my hope is that more of our community is inspired to help our veterans, our kūpuna and really anyone in need.”
When it comes to helping veterans, Lewis believes a little can go a long way. Simply talking story with a veteran can be beneficial to their mental and emotional well-being, she said.
Lewis said other ways to help a veteran include offering transportation for appointments or sending Christmas cards to a care home like Yukio Okutsu Veterans State Home in Hilo.
Visit the Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Day Parade website to find a list of more than 100 ways to help a veteran.
