Maui Unites to String Leis for Memorial Day

Blossoms for the Brave 2016. Photo credit: Ryan Piros / County of Maui.

Volunteers worked in unison to string leis this morning as part of the annual Blossoms for the Brave lei-making event hosted by the County of Maui.

Organizers of the free event, sponsored by Kaunoa Senior Services, the Department of Housing and Human Concerns and the Office of Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, set a goal of making more than 2,700 lei, which will be placed on veterans’ graves on Memorial Day at Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao.

As volunteers made lei, they were entertained with live music by Kevin Kanemoto & Friends in addition to updates from emcee Kathy Collins.

Blossoms for the Brave 2016. Photo credit: Ryan Piros / County of Maui.

In addition to the lei making, volunteers also dropped off flowers and pre-sewn lei to be used as part of the Memorial Day observance.

“‘Blossoms for the Brave’ is a wonderful opportunity to meet up with old friends and neighbors as we remember our fallen heroes who gave their lives to serve our country,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “As we sew lei together, we express our gratitude for their service, and for the many ways these men and women helped shape the community we live in today.”