MEMORIAL DAY – MAY 30, 2016

To the soldiers who have served and those who continue to serve, thank you for your service

This Memorial Day 2016 is very special. I am reminded upon my return to Maui why these

men and women and their families have chosen to devote themselves in service to Our Nation.

America is a place where dreams are fulfilled. Our Forefathers provided by the

Constitution and thereafter the Amendments certain unalienable rights that grant each and

everyone the opportunity to be the best that they can be.

The First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of

religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the

press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress

of grievances.”

Mr. Jay April, President & CEO, AKAKŪ Maui Community Television is my champion of

First Amendment Rights. AKAKŪ is your free electronic green space. A sanctuary where your

voice counts! To be shared by the magic of TV via video and voice via radio. Maui No Ka Oi!

Senator Daniel K. Akaka. On Memorial Day, May 26, 1997 Senator Akaka delivered the

keynote address at the Makawao Veterans Cemetery. Following the event my Mom and I were

invited to a luncheon at the Camp Maui, home of the Fourth Marine Division. After the meal

Senator Akaka met personally with each Marine to hear their concerns. Several years passed and a

fellow vet and very close friend were talking. Maurice said to me, “Clif I have this problem that I

have worked on for over 30 years. I have called and written to everyone I know. I have not

received a satisfactory response.” Maurice served with the United States Marines and was denied

mustering out pay for property damages to a Marine jeep. I asked whether he had contacted

Senator Akaka. The answer was “No”. I hand carried a letter to Senator Akaka’s Honolulu office

and met with Mr. Mike Kitamura. Mr. Kitamura after reading Maurice’s letter asked, “Clif what

is in this for you.” My reply was, “To see that Maurice is given fair and equal treatment and what

he deserves for his service.” Within a few days Maurice received a letter from Senator Akaka

informing him that his request had been received and that proper inquiry would be made. A week

later Maurice received an update from Senator Akaka informing him of the inquiries made and

that upon receipt of a response Maurice will be so advised.

I asked several times, each time, Maurice said he had not heard back. A month later I

asked. The smile on Maurice’s face, his cheek to cheek grin, confirmed to me that Senator Akaka

had accomplished the impossible. This is but one of many, many instances of Senator Akaka’s

outreach and his loyal dedicated service for the people of Hawaii. Thank you Senator Akaka!

My Dad, Masanao Hasegawa. Dad spoke only once to me about the war it was just a

comment of his time at basic training. I share with you a special moment that you hopefully will

remember and keep. One year after visiting from college, Dad drove me to Kahului Airport to

return to school. Just before I boarded, we hugged. My first hug from Dad. A fellow boarding

passenger came up and asked, “Is that your Dad?” Yes. “He had tears in his eyes.” Me too.

On this Memorial Day 2016 take time to reflect and give each and every person a Hug.

Express your Love for Family and Friends!

President Barack Obama and Shigeaki Mori, atomic bomb survivor

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima, Japan May 27, 2016