Kaua‘i Veterans Parade Returns to Līhuʻe

By Léo Azambuja

Heather Phelps, is seen here leading the Healing Horses riding unit during a past Kaua‘i Veterans Parade in Kapa‘a. This year, the parade will return to Līhuʻe. Photo by Mike Hough

Many would argue the United States would never be the home of the free if it weren’t also the home of the brave. Each year, for more than a century, we celebrate the service of those who served in the U.S. military branches, helping to keep this a free country.

“We are honoring our Kaua‘i veterans. We do this for the sacrifices they have made to ensure the life that we have today,” said Addison Bulosan, president of Rice Street Business Association, which is co-hosting this year’s Kaua‘i Veterans Parade in Līhuʻe, together with the Kaua‘i Veterans Council.

This is the first time the Kaua‘i Veterans Parade will be held in person since 2019, because of restrictions and concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to celebrate in person as a community and it’s important to make this the top of the list,” Bulosan said of the theme of this year’s parade, “Honoring All Who Served,” presented by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

The last parade was held in Kapa‘a, and the 2022 Kaua‘i Veterans Parade, to be held on the first Saturday of November, marks the return of the event to the streets of Līhuʻe.

“This year (the parade) moved back to Downtown Līhuʻe,” said Bulosan, adding RSBA will be co-hosting the event and taking the lead role in the organization in honor of Kaua‘i’s veterans. The idea is to let the veterans enjoy their celebration instead of historically organizing their own parade.

The Kaua‘i Veterans Parade starts at 9 a.m. at the Līhuʻe Convention Center with floats and marching units, and includes participation from Kaua‘i’s military service branches, marching bands from three of the island’s largest schools, JROTC units, the Pacific Fleet Band, the Pacific Missile Range Facility and various community organizations.

Left to right, Kaua‘i Veterans Council Commander Mary Kay Hertog, RSBA Event Coordinator Lexi Jones, and RSBA President Addison Bulosan. Contributed photo

The parade will move eastward along Rice Street, turn into Ho‘olako Street toward Vidinha Stadium, and come to an end at the stadium’s soccer field at around 10 a.m. As a result, Rice and Ho‘olako streets will be closed from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

There will be a fair at the soccer field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with special guest speakers, food, live music and about 20 different vendors. Some of the confirmed vendors include Pele Jele, Lightshadow Crystals and Maricel Creations LLC.

Bulosan said the rewards of helping to organize the parade are about practicing community gratitude and elevating the relationships in the community.

“When we come together around the things we care about and celebrate the hardships and wins, we become a better community that are resilient, caring, loving, and motivated to do the right things,” he said.

The Kaua‘i Veterans Council is also assisting in planning the event, making sure all military organizations are participating and the veterans are well-cared for, according to Bulosan. The veterans will participate by being in the parade, being featured at the fair after the parade, and will also be recognized throughout the day.

Honoring our veterans is a tradition that goes back more than a century.

On the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month of 1918, World War I ended when an armistice between Germany and allies fighting the war went into effect. The date was celebrated as Armistice Day, and over the years it became a holiday honoring all veterans. In 1954, the U.S. Congress officially changed the holiday’s name to Veterans Day.

An ROTC unit is seen here during a past Kaua‘i Veterans Parade in Kapa‘a. This year, the parade will return to Līhuʻe. Photo by Mike Hough

Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11, but the parade honoring the veterans is usually held about a week earlier. This year, the parade will be held Saturday, Nov. 5.

“It is a different day from Veterans Day to allow veterans and attendees to enjoy themselves on a weekend,” Bulosan said of the parade.

Recognizing the sacrifices of those who paved the way for us, Bulosan said, has been a practice in his life, and was modeled to him by family and friends.

“It brings me joy, honor, and I feel privileged to be part of a community that practice reverence for those that come before us,” he said.

Parade coordinators are encouraging attendees to arrive early to get a good spot. Rice Street Business Association is a nonprofit organization with a mission to foster the growth of the Līhuʻe Town Core Center and create a vibrant community with their set core values. Visit www.downtownlihue.com and www.ricestreetbusinessassociation.com for more information.

The Kaua‘i Veterans Council is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support veterans organizations on Kaua‘i, and to maintain the Kaua‘i Veterans Center building in Līhuʻe. Visit www.kauaiveteranscenter.org for more information.

“Our community has benefited deeply from the many who have sacrificed. We’re excited to honor those who have given so much to us through this event,” Bulosan said.