Readers make a difference for Girl Scouts’ Memorial Day ‘Lei of Aloha’ project

Dear Editor,

Thank you very much for your help in publicizing the Lei of Aloha event held May 25. With your help, our troop and the Windward community were able to sew over 1,100 leis in five hours. In addition, we collected over 100 artificial leis.

The event was successful because of your support and belief in building community.

The purpose of Lei of Aloha was not only for the sake of sewing leis, it brought the community together for a meaningful purpose: remembering, respecting and honoring our veterans on Memorial Day.

The next day American flags together with the sewn flower leis were laid upon the graves at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery by the Girl Scouts of Hawaii. I had the honor of being emcee that day, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive a governor’s proclamation from the director of th Office of Veteran Services.

The proclamation was for “exceptional volunteerism in organizing and making lies for (the ) Memorial Day ceremony … ”

The flags and leis on the graves held great importance to the families of our heroes. They showed appreciation and honor for our fallen veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to have the freedom we have today. Families of the veterans take note in knowing their loved ones are cared for and remembered.

With sincere gratitude,

Marissa Lum
Lei of Aloha coordinator
Girl Scout Gold Award recipient