Photo courtesy of County of Maui, taken by Lois Whitney.
By Staff Reports
(Maui)–Seniors from Kaunoa’s RSVP (“Retired & Senior Volunteer Program”) gathered to help pick crown flowers for the “Blossoms for the Brave” event set for today from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the County Building.
Joining in the flower harvest were Vietnam veteran Roy Nakasone, SP-4 with the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry; Korean War veteran Ray Banarao, Private E-1 and E-2 with the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry; and Cold War veteran Masaru Abe, E-5 with the U.S. Army 8th Aviation Co. The crown flower harvest was made possible with the help of Maui Lani Maui Lani Development Manager Daren Suzuki.
Today’s community lei-making event will bring together friends and family of all ages to make a total of 2,500 lei to be placed on veterans’ graves on Memorial Day. Live music by Maui-born vocalist Neal Yamamura will be featured, along with Emcee Kathy Collins. Ample parking and a free shuttle to the County Building will be available from the War Memorial Football Stadium parking lot every half-hour starting at 8:30 a.m.
Flower donations are requested; flowers and greenery may be dropped off between 9 – 10:00 a.m. on Friday, at the South High Street parking lot fronting the County Building. Examples of materials needed include: lei needles and crochet thread; green Ti leaves (cut and frozen); crown flowers; orchids; Bozu flowers; Plumeria (buds and partially open); and other sturdy flowers.
Pre-sewn lei are also welcome; lei should be 20”-24” long before tying.
For more information, call Kaunoa Senior Center at 270-7308 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/Blog.