Veteran's Day 2009

The following was originally posted on Veteran's Day 2007.

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
Father Denis Edward O'Brien/USMC

To all of America's veterans, we say "thank you", even though we know words alone cannot express our appreciation for your service to our country. We join the rest of the nation on this day to remember the fallen and honor the sacrifices of 25 million veterans from the United States. On behalf of the Hawaii House of Representatives, we would also like to salute the veterans currently serving in our State Legislature:

The House of Representatives

Rep. Rida Cabanilla - Army Reserve Officer - Lt. Colonel
Rep. Jerry Chang - SGT E-5, U.S. Army, 7th Special Forces (Airborne)

Rep. Isaac Choy - U.S. Marine Corps
Rep. Ken Ito - U.S. Air Force, 1962 - 1966 (Veteran - Honorable Discharge)
Rep. Marilyn Lee - Navy Nurse, Full Lieutenant (ret.)
Rep. Joe Souki - U.S. Army
Rep. K. Mark Takai - Captain, Hawaii Army National Guard
Rep. Roy Takumi - Hawaii Air National Guard, 1970-1977
Rep. Gene Ward - Vietnam Veteran, Translator-Interpreter

The Senate

Sen. Robert Bunda - U.S. Air Force, Texas Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard

Thank you Lon (that's Mr. Cupcake to you) Paresa, veteran and House Asst. Sgt-at-Arms, for sharing the above quote.