“Blossoms for the Brave” Lei-Making Event to Honor Veterans

Community participants sew lei to honor veterans at the 2013 “Blossoms for the Brave” event. File photo courtesy County of Maui.

By Maui Now Staff

The public is invited to participate in the latest edition of the county’s “Blossoms for the Brave” lei-making event in honor of veterans.

During the annual event, volunteers will string an estimated 2,500 lei that are then placed on the graves of veterans by Girl Scouts at the Makawao Veterans Cemetery on Memorial Day.

“It’s inspiring to see so many people from all walks of life come together to remember our veterans in this meaningful and beautiful way,” said Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa in a press release announcement. “Each lei represents our gratitude for their service, and for the many ways they helped shape the community we live in today,” he said.

Volunteers are invited to meet on the front lawn of the County Building in Wailuku between 9 a.m and 1 p.m. on Friday, May 23, for the community lei-making event.  A free shuttle service will be available, departing every half-hour from 8:30 a.m. to noon on that day, at the War Memorial Ichiro “Iron” Maehara Baseball Stadium parking lot.

Flower donations are also welcome, and can be dropped off between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event at the parking lot fronting the County Building.  Suggested materials include: crown flowers, orchids, Bozu flowers, plumeria buds and partially open flowers; bougainvillea, other study flowers, cut and frozen green ti leaves, lei needles, and crochet thread.

Pre-sewn lei can also be dropped off, and should be 16 to 24 inches long before tying.

The event is made possible by sponsorship from Kaunoa Senior Services and the Office of the Mayor.