Maunalani Nursing and Rehabilitation Center honors in-house veterans

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Veterans were honored Wednesday during a special Veterans Day celebration at Maunalani Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

The event recognized 24 military veterans currently living at the care facility for their service and sacrifices.

The program featured a presentation of colors, musical performances by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Woodwind Quintet, a veterans roll call and the presentation of gifts to veterans.

Lt. Gen. Joel Vowell, deputy commander of U.S. Army Pacific, served as the keynote speaker and thanked the veterans for their service.

“I wanted to see you and thank you for what you’ve done for our country, our freedoms, and what we enjoy every day due to your sacrifices,” Vowell said.

“Be it two years, 30 years, there’s hundreds of years of service by the veterans in this home, he added.”

The ceremony also paid special tribute to three World War II Nisei veterans who lived at the facility and died earlier this year: Dr. Takashi Domingo, Robert Sato and Willy Toda.

The annual gathering brought together veterans, families and staff to recognize those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.