Veterans Day became an official federal holiday to honor American veterans of all wars. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution making it an annual observance. However, it goes back to 1918, when it was called Armistice Day.
During world War I, the Allied nations and Germany agreed to an armistice or cease fire on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Known as the “war to end all wars”, WWI officially ended over seven months later when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day, observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Listed below are Veterans Day events observed in Hawaiʻi.
Veterans Day parades in Hawaiʻi
Drive-by Lions Veterans Day Tribute in Wahiawa
Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Day Parade in Hilo
The Hawai‘i Island Community joins Military Veterans with the generous financial and volunteer support of local businesses and individuals to host one of Hawaii’s largest Veterans Day parades in downtown Hilo. The Hilo Veterans Day Parade recognizes Hawaiʻi Island veterans and their families. More info: www.hivetparade.org
- In 2022, the 15th Annual Hawaii Island LIVE Veterans Day Parade in Hilo will take place on Saturday, November 12th, 2022 at, 10 a.m. The parade’s theme, “Celebrate Service”, focuses on increasing the involvement of veterans and the community to serve those in need.
Oʻahu: Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony fantail of the Battleship Missouri Memorial
On November 11, Veterans Day observances worldwide will culminate with a special sunset ceremony onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor. In 2022, we honor the 160th anniversary of the Medal of Honor, the United States Armed Forces’ highest and most prestigious award for military valor in action.
From the American Civil War to today, over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients have been awarded to service members who displayed bravery, courage, sacrifice and integrity in the moments that mattered most. One of the most distinguished Medal of Honor recipients is Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Inouye served in the U.S. Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II, one of the most decorated military units in U.S. history. For his combat heroism, Inouye was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart with Cluster.
Inouye later went on to get his law degree and became one of the first representatives in the U.S. Congress when Hawaii became the 50th state. The year 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s passing as we remember and honor his service, sacrifice, and commitment to the nation and Hawai`i’s communities.
- In 2022, the Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony will be held on the fantail of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. November 11, 2022 at 4:40PM. Free and open to the public—park at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and take the free shuttle to the Battleship Missouri. More info: Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony – USS Missouri and Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony Tickets, Fri, Nov 11, 2022 at 4:30 PM | Eventbrite
Oʻahu Wahiawa Lions Veterans Day Parade
The Wahiawa Lions Club hosts its annual Veterans Day Tribute, the oldest and largest parade of its kind in Hawaiʻi. Since 1940, the Wahiawa Lions Club has performed countless community service projects, such as the summer time school supplies drive but it is perhaps best known for its Veterans Day Parade. More info: Wahiawa Lions Club – Lions e-Clubhouse and Wahiawa Lions Club | Facebook
- Wahiawa Lions Club Veterans Day Parade, November 11, 2022 at 10AM from Kaʻala Elementary School to Wahiawa town Center.
National Parks free admission day November 11
On Veterans Day, November 11 it is free to visit national parks, which includes Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park on Maui. More info: Free Entrance Days in the National Parks (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Established as a National Park in 1916, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers visitors many different landscapes and moʻolelo (stories) that chronicle the history and culture of the first Hawaiians who settled here over five centuries and who lived, worked and worshipped on this sacred ground. Since the 19th century, adventurers, scientists, philanthropists, and every day individuals have also left their mark on the landscape.
Maui: Haleakala National Park. Another important cultural place for Native Hawaiians, sites found within the Summit and Kīpahulu areas of Haleakalā National Park are spoken of in numerous mele (songs or chants) and Hawaiian oral legends. One of the major stewardship efforts of Haleakalā’s is to preserve the Hawaiian Islands’ native ecosystems.
Free meals & food discounts for for Veterans Day
Chck our list of free meals & food discounts for Veterans Day. Listed below are all events on our calendar in honor of Veterans Day.
Image: Depositphotos.com
Calendar of Veterans Day events
Listed below are Veterans Day events on our calendar. Many are held on Veterans Day, which is always November 11. Parades and other festivities may be held the weekend before or after, or in the days leading up to Veterans Day.
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