WFWP Hawai’i Volunteers with AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary for Memorial Day
Written by : Donna Shaver & Yuriko Harding
Sew a Lei for Memorial Day
Kapilina Beach Homes, Ewa Beach, HI
Three dedicated members of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Hawai’i Chapter—Doris Edwards, Yuriko Harding, and Donna Shaver—volunteered their time and spirit at the “Sew a Lei for Memorial Day” community event on May 23, 2025. All three are also proud members of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary.
Held at Kapilina Beach Homes, this meaningful initiative was part of an island-wide effort to create over 38,000 fresh flower leis to adorn the graves of fallen service members resting at Punchbowl and the Kaneohe Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery. Coordinated by the City & County of Honolulu, the event is a cherished Hawaiian tradition of remembrance, patriotism, and respect.
Volunteers from across the community—including several Lions Club branches from Hawai’i Kai, Manoa, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, and Leeward O‘ahu—gathered in the spirit of aloha. The room was alive with warmth and connection as participants sewed leis while enjoying live music, dancing, laughter, fragrant plumeria blooms, refreshments, and bento lunches. By the end of the event, a total of 477 leis had been completed.
As shared by WFWP Chairwoman Donna Shaver, “There was a profound sense of love and service as we collectively honored our veterans who sacrificed their lives for our country.” Reflecting the guiding vision of WFWP Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the experience underscored the importance of fostering reconciliation, compassion, and unity through the ‘logic of love.’
In a personal moment of reconnection, Donna reunited with a friend she hadn’t seen since their sons were in the same Boy Scout troop in 2004—22 years ago—making the event even more special.
74th Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)
On Monday, May 26, WFWP and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary member Yuriko Harding represented the organizations at the 74th Annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The ceremony featured:
Placement of leis and American flags on gravestones
Wreath presentations
Remarks from Mayor Rick Blangiardi
Keynote address by Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
Performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band, Lei Court 2025
A three-volley gun salute, Taps, and a spectacular F-22 flyover
The event was sponsored by multiple government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community members, further showcasing a united commitment to honoring those who served.
