(Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)
MEDIA RELEASE
The peaceful plantation town of Honokaa was filled with people celebrating the United Nations International Day of Peace on Sunday, Sept. 17, during its 5th Annual Peace Day Parade & Festival.
More than a thousand gathered to enjoy the lively “moving stage” of music, floats and entertainment with a message–as marching bands, taiko drummers, bon dancers, cirque performers, hula halau and more, joined together in the spirit of peace.
Peace Corps volunteers honored
Special honorees for the parade were about 30 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV’s) from the Big Island, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Peace Corps.
At least eight “Peace Corps couples” residing in the Honokaa/Hamakua area found love and married during, or as a result of, their service.
Elene Hertweck, from the San Francisco Region Peace Corps office was on hand for the festivities. Hertweck served two times, in the Ukraine and in South Africa, both after she reached the age of 60.
“We have no upper age limit,” she said. “The oldest volunteer is 84 … This is a way to serve your country and learn about another culture, share your skills and have an adventure.”
Run for Peace
Sunday’s events also included the first annual 5K Run for Peace.
Top finishers for the men: Billy Barnett at 17:22 (20-29), Jason Braswell at 17:53 (30-39), Lyman Perry at 18:50 (40-49), Tony Connors at 19:34 (15-19).
For the women: Heidi Schmidgall at 26:15 (20-29), Elizabeth Aguirre at 31:27 (15-19), Abigail Andrade at 31:28 (under 15).
A Peace Day Festival following the Parade featured food booths and entertainment by the Honokaa High School Jazz Band, John Keawe and others, a performance by Terminal Circus and a large community Bon Dance that filled the field.
Tradition of peace
The Festival program began with a message from Rev. Marcia Hartsock of the Honokaa United Methodist Church, a ceremonial chant and bell-ringing by Rev. Kosho Yagi of Honokaa Hongwanji and the release of white peace doves.
Rev. Eric Matsumoto, bishop of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and former minister of the Honokaa, Kamuela, Paauilo and Kohala Hongwanji Buddhist Temples, addressed the audience of about 1,000.
“So today, we gather for the purpose of nurturing peace in our hearts and minds, our local community of Honokaa and the Big Island and the whole world,” Matsumoto said. “I would like to close by expressing my appreciation to the Honokaa Community for hosting this event, the entire Big Island Community for your participation and support of nurturing peace in our world.”
Peace Poster Contest
Also during festival, winners of the annual student Peace Poster Contest were announced.
They are:
Kindergarten-Grade 3
*Chloe Salom, 2nd grade, Haaheo School
4-6 grade
* 3rd Place: Latrece Fernandez, 6th grade, Paauilo School
* 2nd Place: Xyan Ancheta, 6th grade, Paauilo School
* 1st Place: Seira Gleason, 6th grade, Paauilo School
Grades 7-8
* 3rd Place (tie): Kristopher Nobriga, 8th grade, and Tyanna Aranaydo, 7th grade, Honokaa High and Intermediate School
* 2nd Place: Kamea Phenicie, 8th grade, Honokaa High and Intermediate School
* 1st Place: Jacie Carvalho, 7th grade, Honokaa High and Intermediate School
Grades 9-12
* 3rd Place: Shelby Bakin, 9th grade, Paauilo School
* 2nd Place: Saysha Cadabona, Paauilo School
* 1st Place: Shrone Baton, Paauilo School
Sponsor prize, presented by Waianuhea Bed & Breakfast: Donalyn Kaneo, 8th grade, Honokaa High and Intermediate School
The 5th Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace is presented by the Peace Committee of the Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in cooperation with the United Nations and numerous community organizations.
Major financial support has been provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development County Product Enrichment Program grant and the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Social Concerns Committee.
The Peace Committee depends upon the community’s help and support for the continued success of the parade and festival annually. The goal is to engage in and support activities year-round to promote peace, compassion and awareness of universal interdependence.
Contributions can be made as tax deductible donations, purchases of T-shirts and various sponsorship packages.
For further information, call 808-640-4602 or visit www.peacedayparade.org
(Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)
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