25th Infantry Division Veterans’ Day Schofield Barracks

Veterans’ Day 2021 at Schofield Barracks By COL Ret. Peter Hirai

On Veterans Day, I had the honor of representing the Commandery at the Schofield Barracks Veterans Day Ceremony. The keynote address was delivered by MG Joseph Ryan, Commander of the 25th Infantry Division and Senior Commander of U.S. Army Hawaii.

After his speech, they presented the memorial wreath to Veterans who have passed on, and invited the two Veterans Service Organizations present to also present their wreaths. Upon cue, the Division presented their wreath, while the Purple Heart Society and I presented our wreaths. After playing of Taps we adjourned and posed for photographs. Although Veterans Day is to honor all those who served our nation, it is still important to pause for remembrance of those that gave their "last full measure of devotion" and those that have passed before us.

This annual event focuses on the basics and encourages participation from Veterans Organizations.

Photos: Top Left NCOs standing by the wreaths during MG Ryan’s remarks. Above Left: MG Ryan addresses those Veterans, service members and their families gathered under the shade tent. Above Right: the MOFW wreath. Left: Companion Peter Hirai, MG Ryan, and a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart pay tribute to all Veterans past and present with the presentation of floral wreaths from the 3 organizations.