Hawaii Tribune-Herald ‘Celebrate Service’ Parade organizer on a mission to salute, support veterans By KATIE YOUNG YAMANAKA Special to the Tribune-Herald The Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday in Downtown Hilo is more than just your typical showcase event, says parade chairwoman Deb Lewis. “When I was grand marshal of this parade in 2014, there were about 30 units,” recalls Lewis, who is also a retired Army colonel. “It was quick, fast and done. Very few people knew about the parade so there wasn’t much of a crowd on the streets, and my sense was that it didn’t reflect the generous and supportive environment we have on this island.” Lewis took it upon herself to “do better.” “We have 224 listed charities for this island covering the full gamut of issues we face every day,” she said. “I’ve discovered that many have heard of these organizations but they don’t understand what they do, how they do it and what they need to reach even more people.” Lewis says that the more a community does for the whole community, the more veterans will be served because they fit into many of the groups supported by various island charities. “Only a few of the estimated 20,000 island veterans belong to veteran groups,” she says. “Instead, you find them making a difference by joining civic groups and/or working for local businesses. I decided to take over the event, knowing this parade could be a catalyst to do even more good in the community and to be the showcase for all these organizations who are doing good already.” This year’s parade is themed “Celebrate Service.” Now in its ninth year, a helicopter kicks off the event with an “orchid drop” near Pauahi Street in Wailoa State Park. Then, the “rolling thunder” motorcycles, escorted by Vietnam veteran Jerry Chang, will lead the parade units along the route, which starts makai of Pauahi Street and travels mauka to Kilauea Avenue. Then, it moves north through Downtown Hilo to Waianuenue Avenue, heading makai to Kamehameha Avenue, and heading down Bayfront to return to the starting point. The public is invited to come out to honor all veterans, celebrate community service and be inspired by all the ways in which people can better serve the island. See VETERANS Page 8
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