VIDEO/PHOTOS: Maui Coast Guard Hosts 9/11 Remembrance

By Wendy Osher

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Members of the US Coast Guard Station on Maui joined Mayor Alan Arakawa in a remembrance ceremony today honoring those who lost their lives 10 years ago in the terror attacks on US soil.

“As we pause to commemorate this day, around the world are celebrations and remembrance services being conducted.  We pray for the families, and we pray for the men and women who continue to dawn the cloth of this nation,” said Coast Guard officials during today’s ceremony at Ma’alaea Harbor.

Members of the US Coast Guard, Maui Station hosted a Remembrance ceremony on the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa joined in remembering those who have since laid down their lives in the name of security and freedom.

Among those recognized in the Mayor’s proclamation were: Army Pfc. Charlie Antonio, 29; Army Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Bolor, 37; Army Pfc. Jay Cajimat, 20; Army Pfc. Eugene Kanakaole, 19; Army Spc. Christopher P. Sweet, 28; and Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Kraig Vickers, 36.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono of Hawai’i also issued a statement today recognizing those with Hawai’i who lost their lives in the attacks.

“Ten years after the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, the sorrow remains for the thousands of families and friends who lost loved ones in New York City, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Our thoughts are with them, especially the families of Georgine Rose Corrigan and Christine Snyder, Hawaii residents lost on United Airlines Flight 93, and Patricia Colodner, Maile Hale, Heather Ho, and Richard Y.C. Lee, who died in the attack on the World Trade Center.”

9/11 Remembrance Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

9/11 Remembrance Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Arakawa recognized September 11, 2011 as, “the 10th anniversary of the day that Americans came together; a day to remember those who have lost their lives and to look forward to toward the future.”

“It’s hard to think about that day without mental images of destruction, grief, and the loss that swept over America and in those tragic events,” said Coast Guard officials said during today’s ceremony.  “The sorrow of loss–personal and corporate–will always accompany the memory of the events of that day.”

9/11 Remembrance Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

9/11 Remembrance Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

US Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawai’i said that if there is a positive to be taken out of this tragedy, it is the spirit of unity and brotherhood seen in the nation’s response.

“Responders from every state, including Hawaii, came together to aid their fellow Americans at their time of need. It was that same spirit we demonstrated nearly 70 years ago on December 7, 1941, and the same our forefathers used to found this country over two centuries ago,” said Sen. Akaka.

“May our concern for security be tempered with a willingness to take risks, which will produce worthwhile change for the good of all people,” said those speaking on behalf of the US Coast Guard, Maui.

9/11 Remembrance Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher

9/11 Remembrance Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

9/11 Remembrance Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

9/11 Remembrance Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.