ADMINISTRATION MARKS VETERANS DAY IN HAWAI`I

November 11 - Lt. Governor Aiona opened a Veterans Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to pay tribute to the 120,000 veterans who live in Hawai`i, as well as veterans across the nation.

In addressing the event, which was organized by the O`ahu Veterans Council, the Lt. Governor said it was right to set aside a day "for those who have borne the burden of defending our country."

"We honor veterans for protecting the security and freedom that we as Americans enjoy," said Lt. Governor Aiona.

He added that the sacrifices and hardships endured by military members and their families should never be taken for granted.

"It is through their sacrifices that we, the citizens of a grateful state and nation, can go about our daily lives," said Lt. Governor Aiona. "We honor you for putting your lives at risk to make us safer and bring about a more peaceful world."

Governor Linda Lingle honored veterans during the annual Governor's Veterans Day Ceremony at Hawai`i State Veterans Cemetery in Kane`ohe.

The Governor also dedicated the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home in Hilo, the first facility in the state to provide nursing home and domiciliary care to eligible veterans.

"I am incredibly proud and eternally grateful to those who have served, and are currently serving, our nation," said Governor Lingle. "Every freedom we enjoy, we owe to their selfless sacrifice."