The Waialua Lions Club, as they have done for the past Sixty-two years will pay homage to the forty-four war heroes from the North Shore, who gave their ultimate sacrifices during combat in World War II, Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. The Memorial Day event commencing at 10:00 AM at the Haleiwa Beach Park will pay special tribute not only to the forty-four heroes, but to the remaining Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Spouses attending the services: Mrs. Lois Pacolba, whose husband, Alfredo died in the Vietnam War, Mrs. Dina Carlos, whose son, Stephen Carlos also died in the Vietnam War, and Mrs. Roy Ocampo, whose son, Robert also died in the Vietnam War. In addition, the next of kin of many of these heroes will be similarly recognized during the ceremony.

The memorial service will include a band concert by the Waialua High School Band , the posting of colors by the U.S. Army and the Civil Air Patrol, a salute to our fallen brothers, the presentation of wreaths by veterans groups and a Memorial Day address by the Reverend Ronald Williams of the Community Church of Honolulu. In addition, Lions District Governor Shannon Ching will pay tribute to the parents and next of kin

The North Shore communities have a history of many war veterans who served their country well and gave their lives to our nation. During World War II, many of our young men volunteered to join the famous 100^th Battalion, the 442^nd Regimental combat team, military intelligence units, and other units. Regretfully, sixteen young men made the ultimate sacrifice. During the Korean Conflict, the 5^th Regimental Combat Team stationed at Schofield Barracks with many of our young men was one of the first units sent to the Korean peninsular. Again, sixteen of our young men did not return. In the Vietnam War, many of our youths assigned to the 299^th and 298^th Divisions at Schofield Barracks were sent to do battle in Vietnam and twelve of our war heroes paid the supreme sacrifice. The names of these North Shore veterans are inscribed on plaques located on three sides of the memorial tower. No-where else, has a community lost so many young men in three wars and at the same time had their names enshrined in a single memorial tower with a beacon as a symbol of eternal peace and goodwill.

The Memorial Day celebration sponsored by the Waialua Lions Club is made possible through partnerships with many organizations and businesses in Waialua, including the U.S. Army, Waialua High and Intermediate School, 100^th and 442^nd Veterans Clubs, Honolulu Veterans Center, Kainoa Restaurant & Sports Bar, Malama Market, Reverend Taiken Akiyama, Reverend Ron Valenciana, and other businesses and churches.

The public is invited to attend the Memorial Day service on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at the Haleiwa Beach Park, commencing at 10:00 AM.