When they passed the resolution last year to create this thing, I wasnt sure what to think. A STATE level MOH? I smelled politics all over this one, but as a big local supporter of the military, I was also all for anything that provides some recognition for these folks.
This is a joke. This was their "criteria" for deciding who gets one in a ceremony they had yesterday.
"So far since the war began three years ago we have identified 120 people that have been killed in action with ties to Hawaii," says Representative Mark Takai, D-Pearl City-Waimalu.
Those ties include National Guardsmen, Hawaii school graduates and those stationed in Hawaii when their unit was called to Iraq or Afghanistan.
You dont even have to be FROM the state to get one, just have your unit be stationed here when you get called up! Oh, and you have to be dead.
I'm glad the state is recognizing those who have died in service to their country. I'm glad they are being public about it. They are not only taking a public stance supporting our troops, they are creating a special memorial for them, letting their families know in a personal way that their loved one was appreciated. It means alot to these people.
I dont think they should call it a Medal of Honor though. That has always been our country's highest award for bravery. I think it creates confusion to name a state level award the same as our country's highest honor, and I think the politicians in charge meant to do exactly that. I think they used these dead soldiers, their families, and the military to do some political brown-nosing.
I dont know. Maybe I'm overreacting to be p*ssed off about this. Most of the military folks dont seem to care one way or the other, so maybe I should just shut up and let it be. Not like its going to get changed just because I dont like it.
*Edit
Almost forgot. Link to local paper story about the ceremony:
http://starbulletin.com/2006/04/19/news/story04.html
