VIDEO: Maui Dignitaries Honor Veterans in Commemorative Event in Kahului

By Wendy Osher

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Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares issued a proclamation at a Veteran’s Day Commemorative Event at the Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului today.  The 2009 Maui Veterans Day event was hosted by the Maui Sons & Daughters of Nisei Veterans and included historic displays, memorabilia, and recognition of veterans who served Maui County.

Tavares proclaimed November 11, 2009 as VFW Buddy Poppy Month throughout the County of Maui.  The program is run on Maui by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary.

The VFW Buddy Poppies distribution campaign began in 1922 and has since raised millions of dollars in support of veteran’s welfare.

The program gets its name from the red poppy, which became associated with war after the publication of the poem “In Flander’s Field” written by Col. John McCrae who described blowing red fields among the battleground of the fallen.

VFW Buddy Poppies programs are assembled for disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA hospitals and state veterans homes across the country.  Proceeds of the donation campaign are retained locally to provide for disabled veterans and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.  The admiral intent of the Buddy Donation Drive is reflected in the desire to “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.”

Lady Grace (left), a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW is joined by a fellow member in honoring Maui's Veterans in a Commemorative event at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center in Kahului. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares presents a proclamation to the VFW Buddy Poppies program for their work in "Honoring the Dead by Helping the Living." Photo by Wendy Osher.

(Video1:  Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares delivers her proclamation in recognition of the VFW Buddy Poppies Program.  Video2:  Maui Dignitaries share their thoughts on Veterans Day 2009.  Videos and Photos by Wendy Osher)