Pearl Harbor survivors spend day at Navy Hale Keiki School
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - On December 6, 2016 Navy Hale Keiki School will host the survivors to honor the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on then Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawai'i. Together with the Greatest Generation Foundation, Navy Hale Keiki School will welcome Pearl Harbor Survivors onto the campus of Navy Hale Keiki School in tribute to those who served the United States military during WWII.
Monique Raduziner, Principal of Navy Hale Keiki School, "We are humbled to learn from these brave men and are proud to honor the legacy of the Greatest Generation by vowing to never forget Pearl Harbor and to share the story for generations to come. As most of our students are from military families, our keiki feel a special connection with the Greatest Generation and they understand the sacrifice service brings. The excitement over their visit is palatable. It is a beautiful thing to watch our children interact with such outstanding role models."
Pearl Harbor Survivor and 2013 recipient of Navy Hale Keiki School's coveted "Heart of a Hero", Senior Chief Quartermaster Michael Ganitch has formed a special bond with the school and encourages the continued relationship between WWII Veterans and children to foster understanding of past events to empower future leaders to a continued commitment of seeking peaceful solutions. "It's outstanding to do something with these kids because these kids are the future of our country," said Ganitch.
Captain Brett Metcalf, USN, Chairman of Navy Hale Keiki's Board of Governors is encouraged by the outpouring of the school's 'ohana to honor the survivors on December 6, 2016.
"The survivors come from a generation of humbleness and duty and honor to their country. To be able to be a part of watching children have conversations with these impressive veterans is what this school is about. Navy Hale Keiki School is committed to continue efforts to keep this legacy alive."
Nicole Hoelz, a parent of NHKS students shared, "The Pearl Harbor Survivors are a national treasure, and this is a wonderful opportunity for the Greatest Generation to pass along their memories, firsthand, to the next generation. We are extremely grateful to the Survivors for their selfless sacrifice and courageous service, as well as their willingness to share their amazing stories with our children."
"When I heard about the activities planned that will happen right here on December 6th, It brought me to tears. This is so important to my son, who will cherish each moment." Said Eileen Boland, mother of 4th grader, Liam and spouse of Captain Matthew Boland, USN. "This is THE reason to gather. Military children do not really have a home. Veterans and military families are our home. We will gather to honor the memory of those that we lost. We will gather to hold the hands of those that survived and who continue to grieve every day and we will gift this experience to our children, our current generation that through this they will always remember." Boland recognizes that this is not something students can read about. "This is a day of inspiration and remembering."
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