This Fourth of July, each participant in the A Salute to Our Veterans Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk at Liliuokalani Gardens can “place a flag for freedom” at the finish line memorial, which will honor their special-named veteran, living or deceased, who is serving or served our country.
This Fourth of July, each participant in the A Salute to Our Veterans Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk at Liliuokalani Gardens can “place a flag for freedom” at the finish line memorial, which will honor their special-named veteran, living or deceased, who is serving or served our country.
The fundraising run was founded in 2011 by race coordinators Archie (veteran and original Hawaii Ironman) and Marlene Hapai, and the late VFW Post 3830 commander George Kelly.
They created the event in response to a great need for a veterans outreach center in Puna, which is home to the majority of Hawaii Island’s most needy veterans. The event has grown each year with the support of post members, the Ladies Auxiliary, the community and generous sponsors.
The run starts at 7 a.m. on Independence Day. Registration fee is $25, which includes a T-shirt, race number, “goody” bag and eligibility for prizes.
Participants can register online at www.asalutetoourveterans.org or pick up registration forms at the following locations: BJ Penn Fitness Center, Spencer Health and Fitness Center, Aloha Fitness Club, Cross Fitness/Hilo Iron, Hawaii International Family Fitness, Big Island Running Company, Keaukaha Military Reserve Base Exchange, Mid Pacific Wheels, The Bike Hub, Hilo Health Co-op, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, and at VFW Post 3830 in Nanawale.
Packet pickup and registration will be from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 3 at Liliuokalani Gardens at the corner of Lihiwai Street and Banyan Drive, and race day from 6-6:45 a.m.
Prizes are given for all age groups of runners and walkers, including the most patriotically dressed, youngest and oldest, from farthest away, best decorated wheelchair and the largest group participating.
“It has been heartwarming to see this event grow over the past five years,” said co-founder Marlene Hapai. “There are so many veterans who have given so much. This year the names of those being honored by participants registered thus far are already listed on our website and will be found together with names of other veterans honored by participants at the ‘place a flag for freedom’ memorial on race day.”
For more information, visit www.asalutetoourveterans.org or call the Hapais at 966-9894.