The Hawaii World War One Centennial Task Force has been organized to honor this first global conflict and Hawaii’s contributions. A full day of events commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I, Armistice, is planned for Veterans Day, November 11, 2018. The events will take place at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, 2815 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu.
Free to the public activities ranging from live bagpipers playing in unison with a nationwide mass rendition of the retreat march, a WWI Film Festival, static historic displays and free concerts by the Marine Forces Pacific Band, Royal Hawaiian Band, Raiatea Helm and the Harry James Orchestra. A complete schedule of events and details can be found at hawaiiworldwar1.org.
The tribute here in Hawaii is to both spotlight Hawaii’s participation in World War I as well as to honor the people of Hawaii who served in the war, volunteering their services and aiding in war efforts.
While special events have taken place throughout 2018, Hawaii’s most significant will be held on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. Opening on the shore west of Kapiolani Park in 1927, the memorial was dedicated to “the men and women who served during the great war.”
This historic landmark is the only monument in Hawaii selected by the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission as one of 100 memorials nationwide to be designated as a “WWI Centennial Memorial.” To that honor, Arthur Tulak, chairman of Hawaii’s World War I Centennial Task Force, notes, “We’re very pleased to be among the first sites selected by the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission as part of the 100 Cities/100 Memorials program.”
*Content from the Hawaii World War One Centennial Task Force.
About the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission
The U.S. World War One Centennial Commission was created by Congress in 2013 to provide education programs, public outreach, and guidance for commemorative events regarding America’s involvement in WWI, which many see as The War That Changed the World. Honorary Chairs include all five living former U.S. Presidents; the Honorable Madeleine Albright; and the Honorable Colin L. Powell, among others. The World War One Centennial Commission is creating the National WWI Memorial in Washington, DC through private donation. No public funds may be used. Visit ww1cc.org to learn more about the World War One Centennial Commission and its work; ww1cc.org/memorial for America’s WWI Memorial in Washington DC, ww1cc.org/veteran for veteran resources; connect with WWICC on Facebook.com/ww1centennial/; instagram.com /ww1cc/; and twitter.com/WW1CC (@WW1C).
