Saturday sign-waving rally to honor hometown heroes

KELSEY WALLING/Tribune-Herald Silvia Belcher, right, waves to passing cars on Kamehameha Avenue for Veteran’s Day along with other members of the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii while they display the American Flag. The club will hold another event – “Thanksgiving Unity Island-Wide Mahalo Sign-Waving Rally” – from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday.
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The Exchange Club of Hilo is inviting businesses, community organizations, families and individuals to participate in the “Thanksgiving Unity Island-Wide Mahalo Sign-Waving Rally” between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

The rally is to say mahalo to Big Island hometown heroes for their hard work and continuing efforts for the health and safety of the community during the 18 months of the coronavirus pandemic.

The designated sign-waving path in East Hawaii starts at Hilo’s Bayfront soccer fields, down to Ken’s House of Pancakes and along Kanoelehua Avenue to KTA Super Stores Puainako store.

According to a statement, other sign-waving locations are to be determined.

To participate, form a team of organization, company, group and family members. Pick a location along the designated path, make banners and signs to share your mahalo message and contact organizer Francis Tsunezumi at (808) 990-3324 or ftsunezumi at teamdeluz.com to notify him of your participation in the rally.

Tsunezumi is also the contact for more information.

Companies and organizations along the designated path are welcome to rally and wave signs at your place of business.

All participants are expected to abide by the Gov. David Ige’s and Mayor Mitch Roth’s coronavirus emergency rules and health and safety protocols, including face masks and social distancing.

Roth, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, the state’s adjutant general, and Elena Cabatu, director of marketing and public affairs for Hilo Medical Center, are the rally’s honorary chairpersons.

The Exchange Club of Hilo will be providing American flags to participants.