Archives for Waikiki Natatorium

Cable TV air dates for Natatorium Memorial Day observance

If you missed the Friends of the Natatorium’s 23rd annual Memorial Day observance, here’s your chance to see it. If you were there and want to record a speech or performance you found particularly memorable, here’s how. The observance was taped for cable TV and will air this week on ‘Ōlelo Community Media . It was a truly inspiring commemoration of the servicemen and women, especially those from Hawai’i, who have died for our country. Here’s when and where to see it: Natatorium Memorial Day Service Broadcast Schedule Tuesday, June 28: 1 p.m. on OAHU 52 Thursday, June 30: 12
Read More

Categories: Events, Friends of the Natatorium, Memorial Day, News coverage, Uncategorized, and Videos.

Performance art at the Natatorium: “Speaking in Silence” this Saturday

The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium is one of 10 culturally important Honolulu locations chosen as venues for “Speaking in Silence,” a work of performance art highlighting Hawaiian history and the diversity here of concepts of enlightenment and consciousness. The work – conceived by artist Ernesto Pujol – takes place this Saturday, June 18; the portion at the Natatorium is scheduled to run from sunrise to sunset. Pujol is a visiting artist at the Contemporary Museum, where a survey of his work called “Walking Ground” is on display until Oct. 2. He refers to himself as a “site-specific public performance artist
Read More

Categories: Events and Uncategorized.

Photos from the Natatorium's Memorial Day observance

Here are photos from Sunday’s wonderful, inspirational Memorial Day Observance, held for the 23rd year at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. Mahalo to everyone who attended; to our eloquent speakers Ron Oba and Lt. Gen. Duane Thiessen; to our dedicated Marine color guard, rifle squad and bugler; to our Navy chaplain; to our singers, Rodney Cazimero and the Prince Kuhio Civic Club Chorale; to our dancers, Kumu Hula Olana Ai and Hula Halau Olana; to our Pledge of Allegiance leaders from the kindergarten class at Waikiki Elementary; and to all the many volunteers who made possible a most meaningful Sunday
Read More

Categories: Events, Hula, Memorial Day, and Uncategorized.

If you couldn't make it: TV highlights of the Natatorium Memorial Day observance

Mahalo to everyone who came out to remember our nation’s honored war dead Sunday at the 23rd annual Memorial Day Observance at the Natatorium. If you were unable to make it, you missed a wonderful tribute to the men and women on whose sacrifices a nation is built. Here are some highlights of television coverage of the ceremony: In KITV’s story, Lt. Gen. Duane D. Thiessen, commander of U.S. Marines in the Pacific, is quoted calling the Natatorium “a visible reminder of the price paid over the course of history to ensure that we, and our sons and our daughters,
Read More

Categories: Events, Memorial Day, News coverage, Uncategorized, and Veterans.

Natatorium story in Honolulu Civil Beat: What does it mean?

Is this a step back? Or might it actually be a step forward? Honolulu Civil Beat is out with this story quoting Mayor Peter Carlisle. He says the city is moving ahead with the environmental impact statement that would be required to execute former mayor Mufi Hannemann’s plan to demolish the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. Sounds dire. But read closely. Mayor Carlisle does not say he thinks demolition is a done deal. He does not say that it’s his preferred alternative. What the mayor does say is that “once the draft EIS is completed, I would like to review it
Read More

Categories: Friends of the Natatorium, News coverage, and Uncategorized.

Plan to be there: The Natatorium’s Memorial Day Observance, May 29

More reasons to look forward to the 23rd annual Memorial Day Observance at the Natatorium on Sunday, May 29, at 10 a.m.: –We will hear from World War II veteran Ronald M. Oba. Ron, now 88, was a member of F Company of the famous 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the all-Japanese-American U.S. Army unit that fought in Italy, southern France and Germany and became the most decorated regiment in the history of the U.S. military. The retired hospital administrator is a former president of the 442nd Veterans Club and former editor of the 442nd Go for Broke Bulletin, named after
Read More

Categories: Events, Memorial Day, Uncategorized, and Veterans.

Navy, Army vets elected Friends of the Natatorium directors

Two military veterans and civic leaders this week joined the board of directors of the Friends of the Natatorium, taking on leadership roles in the fight to restore, renew and reopen the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. The board elected Yvonne Geesey to fill the seat left empty by the recent death of longtime Natatorium supporter and veterans’ activist Fred Ballard. Maurice D. “Mo” Radke was chosen to fill the vacancy that is opening with the retirement of longtime board member and former President Lin Pang. (More later on Lin’s years of service to the Friends.) Geesey, who also replaces Ballard
Read More

Categories: Events, Friends of the Natatorium, Uncategorized, and Veterans.

Taps: Last known combat veteran of World War I has died

A last salute to the very last known combat veteran of World War I. Claude Choules, who lied about his age to enlist in Britain’s Royal Navy, has died in Australia. He was 110. Choules saw action in the North Sea on the HMS Revenge, where he later witnessed the surrender of the German fleet in November 1918. He remained in uniform until 1956, transferring to the Royal Australian Navy in 1926 and serving in World War II as a demolition and explosives expert. Choules’ death ends mankind’s living memory of combat in the Great War. The last known American
Read More

Categories: History, Uncategorized, and Veterans.

Mark your calendar: Natatorium Memorial Day observance on May 29

You are invited to the 23rd ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE AT THE WAIKIKI WAR MEMORIAL NATATORIUMSunday, May 29, 10 a.m. [Note: Sunday, not Monday] Please join the Friends of the Natatorium for this poignant and meaningful ceremony, which is open to all. Covered seating will be available. The observance, sponsored by the Friends since 1989, recognizes the sacrifice of American soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guards and the triumph of the freedom and democratic values they fought to defend. This year’s event keynote speaker is Lt. Gen. Duane Thiessen, commander, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific. A Marine Corps rifle detail
Read More

Categories: Events, Friends of the Natatorium, Hula, Memorial Day, Uncategorized, and Veterans.

Natatorium needs your help NOW

Monday’s inauguration of Gov. Neil Abercrombie means the key leaders are officially in place. We believe Gov. Abercrombie and Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle want to preserve and restore the Natatorium. We need all Natatorium supporters to take time NOW to contact the mayor and governor and let them know we’re behind their efforts to do what’s pono. Please send a letter, e-mail, or make a quick phone call. The messages don’t need to be long. Just say something simple, brief and pointed. Contact the mayor You can contact Mayor Peter Carlisle at Office of the Mayor, Honolulu Hale, 530 S.
Read More

Categories: Statement and Uncategorized.