Veterans Cemeteries on Lanai and Molokai Get Federal Funds

By Wendy Osher

Kraig Vickers, 36, was among 30 service members killed on August 6 when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed in the Wardak province. He was laid to rest at the Valley Isle Memorial Park in Haiku. Today, the US Congressional delegation announced funding for veterans cemeteries on Lanai and Molokai to expand and maintain the facilities which serve as a final resting place for Hawaii's fallen heroes. File photo by Wendy Osher.

More than $1.5 million was released for expansion and improvements at four neighbor-island veterans cemeteries.  Included on the list are cemeteries on Molokai, Lana’i, Kauai’i and East Hawai’i.

“Our veterans dedicated their lives to serve our country in times of need. Without their sacrifices, we would not be able to enjoy the rights and freedoms we do today,” said Senator Daniel Akaka who joined his fellow Hawai’i congressional delegates in making the announcement today.

Akaka, who served as the former Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee said, “We honor the actions of these brave men and women through the continued upkeep and preservation of these memorial parks.”

Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), said he praised continued investment in the expansion, maintenance and appearance of the memorial parks, which serve as a final resting place for Hawai’i’s fallen heroes.

“These parks provide families and loved ones a place to convene to honor the memory of our brave veterans. Maintaining clean, safe, and dignified memorial parks for those brave enough to put on the uniform and defend our great nation is the very least we can do to honor their sacrifice,” said Sen. Inouye.

“Their final resting place should be a lasting tribute to the men and women who defended our country,” added Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).