Annual Veterans Day Parade May Be Biggest Yet

After missing the march in 2011 because of APEC security issues, the Wahiawa Veterans Day parade is definitely on for Nov. 12, 2012.

Wahiawa Lions Club is planning its 66th parade with more than 80 marching units expected, according to event chairman Henry Lee.

“We’re hoping for a big turnout this year to show support for our veterans, and our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Lee, a veteran himself and active community volunteer. Lee said an estimated 5,000 people attended the parade in 2010, and he’s hoping for an even bigger turn out next Monday. “This year we would like a bigger event than ever!”

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Kaala Elementary School and proceed up California Avenue to Wahiawa District Park. It will be led by a joint service color guard and the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Theme is “Mahalo, Veterans.”

Maj. Gen. Kurt Fuller, commanding general, 25th Infantry Division, will address the crowd at the park following the parade.

Also participating will be members of the 442 Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion, 100th Infantry Battalion, Silver Star medalists, Military Order of the Purple Hearts, and Mayor Peter Carlisle, to go along with a massing of the colors and military equipment displays.

Groups interested in joining the march should call Carolyn Hayashi at 522-5133 or email cehayashsi@lawcsilc.com.