Senator Hanabusa's remarks:
As a citizen of this great land, born with the freedom to speak, to believe and to dream, free to express personal thoughts without fear of recrimination or reprisal, to protest and participate in government, I am thankful to be a part of this ceremony in honor of our fallen heroes.
In protecting all we treasure, in defending all we hold dear, and in preserving those values which distinguish us as proud Americans, no man and no woman stands sentry alone. We stand as a nation and a community, beside them in spirit and with them in a shared commitment.
And just as surely as we will not see them stand alone, we will not allow them to fall alone. We stand together in their name, by pausing to reflect on the unshakable duty and unquenchable bravery that have marked their passage among us. We share the pride of countrymen, and share the tears of brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and friends.
Today, we recognize and honor heroes. We gather to award the Hawaii Medal of Honor as an expression of our immeasurable gratitude for the sacrifice of these courageous individuals.
In reflecting on another day marked with great bravery and great sacrifice, Shakespeare wrote, "This story shall the good man teach his son." We owe no less a duty to our honorees and to future generations. These names and deeds shall remain etched in our state’s shared history. And we will each say to a companion, young or old, at a moment of great pride or great sadness, "I have heard a story of brave Americans."
A grateful state best honors and remembers the sacrifices of these who have served our nation by living our lives in deepest appreciation of our freedom. That is what they defended. That is what they fought and died for.
Today, we remember, in moments of quiet reflection, each and every one of these heroes. We stand united to honor their memory and express our profound gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.
Mahalo.
