Here is everything you need to know on the 34th annual Memorial Day weekend observance at the War Memorial Natatorium in Waikiki: WHAT: A Memorial Day weekend commemoration of America’s war dead at Hawaii’s official World War I monument. A somber ceremony featuring a military color guard and rifle unit; veterans groups (including a Rolling Thunder veterans motorcycle group ride-in); hula performances; two distinguished speakers; a rifle volley; bag pipes; and the solemn bugle call Taps. WHEN: The 2022 commemoration begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 29. [Please note: This event is on Sunday, not on the official Monday
Read More
Archives for American Legion Post 17
Yes, we will observe Memorial Day and honor America’s war dead in 2020 — just differently
We are unshakable in our commitment always to honor those who died defending America. This Memorial Day weekend, however, our observance at the War Memorial Natatorium in Waikiki must be a little different. Out of concern for everyone’s safety – and especially for the health of our senior veterans – the Friends of the Natatorium will not hold its traditional ceremony outside the Natatorium this year. Instead, we welcome our friends from Celtic Kula Pipe Band of Hawaii, who will play an appropriate tribute to the fallen at the Natatorium at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, the day before
Read More
Honor our Veterans at the Natatorium, 11 a.m. on Monday — Veterans Day
On Nov. 11, 1918, Germany and the Allies signed an Armistice. The guns of World War I’s Western Front finally fell silent. After more than four years, the so-called Great War – in which an estimated 15 million to 18 million people died – was essentially over. It was 101 years ago this Monday. Observe Veterans Day at the Natatorium We in the United States now observe Veterans Day each Nov. 11, paying tribute – as well we should – to all those who have served our nation in uniform, both in war and in peace. But the remembrance of
Read More
Honor Our Veterans, and Observe the WWI Centennial, with Us This Saturday
One hundred years ago this Saturday, the German high command met, hoping to find a way to defeat the Allies before the U.S. Army could flood the Western Front with fresh American troops. Let’s just say that didn’t work out too well for the German high command. Exactly a year later, on Nov. 11, 1918 – 99 years ago this Saturday – the Germans and Allies signed an Armistice. The guns finally fell silent on the Western Front. After more than four years, the horrors of World War I – in which an estimated 15 million to 18 million people
Read More
Veterans Day at the Natatorium Kicks Off Centenary Countdown
This Veterans Day — this coming Friday — is special. On that day, the entire world begins two years of commemorations leading up to Nov. 11, 2018, the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the horrors of World War I. Mark the opening of the countdown with us on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., the traditional 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. We will gather at Hawaii’s official World War I monument, the War Memorial Natatorium in Waikiki. This is the 20th year that Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8616 has organized
Read More
Honor Veterans at the Natatorium on Wednesday
It’ll be a busy hour on a busy day in the midst of a busy week. But it would be well worth your time to stop by the Veterans Day observance at the War Memorial Natatorium in Waikiki. The brief ceremony is scheduled, of course, for 11 a.m. this Wednesday, Nov. 11 – the traditional 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. That’s the day and time in 1918 when the armistice ending World War I took effect. This will be the 19th annual Veterans Day commemoration at the Natatorium sponsored by Honolulu’s Veterans of Foreign Wars
Read More
Plan on It: Memorial Day Observance at the Natatorium
Where will you be on Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend? You’ll be right here, living as a citizen of a free and independent country, with the right to vote and the right to spend the day as you please. Where should you be that day? You should be here. You should be remembering, honoring and thanking the men and women who have died in America’s wars to establish, protect and preserve those rights. Memorial Day at the Natatorium You are cordially invited to the 27th annual Memorial Day observance at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. It’s at 10 a.m. on
Read More
Join Veterans for Veterans Day at the Natatorium
No more excuses. If you’ve always meant to join the VFW on Veterans Day to honor their comrades at arms, this is the year. Why? Because Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8616 annually holds its Veterans Day observance at the War Memorial Natatorium in Waikiki. Because that special place is Hawaii’s official World War I memorial. And because this year is the 100th anniversary of the start of that terrible global war. It’s as simple as that. As important as that. So please join the VFW at the Natatorium on Veterans Day — Tuesday, Nov. 11 — at 11 a.m.
Read More
Join Us Monday: The 17th Veterans Day Ceremony at the Natatorium
WHAT and WHEN: At 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, join Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8616, other veterans groups, the Friends of the Natatorium and the public for the VFW’s 17th annual Veterans Day Commemoration at the Natatorium. WHY: The armistice ending World War I was signed Nov. 11, 1918, near Compiègne, France, and went into effect later that morning, at what has become legendarily known as the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” Originally commemorated as Armistice Day, the date has become known in the United States as Veterans Day. WHERE: In Honolulu’s Kapiolani
Read More
Attention, Motorcyclists: Veterans Day Ride to the Natatorium
Motorcycle riders: Mark your calendars for Monday morning, Nov. 11! Hawaii’s American Legion Riders are again organizing a Veterans Day ride to the War Memorial Natatorium to honor and support our veterans, living and deceased. The group aims to recruit 100 bikers to ride with them to kick off the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Natatorium, organized by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8616. Logistics Riders will meet at Cycle City and leave for Waikiki at about 0915 (9:15 a.m. for civilians!). Arrival at the Natatorium is scheduled for 1000. Some riders will meet up with and escort a
Read More
