Reader TTS

On Thursday, May 28, 2025, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) Community Living Center (CLC) held a ‘May Day’ celebration event for in-patient Veterans at the facility. The crowd

was treated to an introduction of the flower court, hulas, a ribbon dance, and other performances put on by CLC staff.  “I just watched the program last year,” said Marine Corps Veteran and

May Day King of the Flower Court James ‘Jimbo’ Morgan. “This year I’m in the program, so I’m excited about that. I feel like a king.”  This is the second year that the CLC has put on a May

Day event. The holiday is not as popular in Hawaii as it was decades ago, but Veterans remember celebrating it in their youth, and so the event is comforting and appreciated by them. Staff

enjoy putting on this event -and many other events each year- to help enrich the lives of the Veterans they care for and keep them entertained.  “Recreation is really important for a lot of

reasons,” said Recreation Therapist Rachel Wilson. “Events like this get Veterans out of their room and give them something to look forward to. The staff also love putting on events to help

brighten the Veterans days. I know the families enjoy it, too. Recreation activities allow people to get together and have fun, which is important for everyone.”  Like last year, Veterans

were selected for the flower court by drawing names from a hat. Everyone wants to participate every year, but there is only room for eight residents representing each of the islands, and one

king and queen. The event was originally planned for Thursday, May 1, 2025, which is officially ‘May Day.’ However, an outbreak of COVID-19 forced staff to cancel the celebration and

reschedule it for a later date. Safety must come first.  “I’m so grateful to all the staff who agreed to participate in the event,” said Recreation Therapist and event organizer Karen

Halemano. “They’re all doing their own things, and it’s a fun multicultural program. They’ve been practicing, and many Veterans family members are excited to be involved or to watch, which

we’re grateful for.” The program began with a presentation of the flower court and the king and queen. It was followed by a staff talent portion which included a Chinese Ribbon Dance, a

dance performance set to the song Pearly Shells, a Hula by Clinical Document Improvement Specialist Lorna Takaki, a singing of Hawaiian Lullaby by the CLC Choir, and much more. Finally, it

concluded with a cake donated by the Elks Club. “I loved watching the dances best,” said Army Veteran James Lewis Manskur. “They all moved really smoothly together, and they had a really

good energy. It was a cool event.”  THIS YEAR’S FLOWER COURT: Kauai was represented by Hideo Kaminaka and Lelani Hermosa.  Kahoolawe was represented by Marlou Paulino and Juliet Flores. Maui

was represented by James Norris and Benilda Yokono. Niihau was represented by Norman Canino and Remy Bautista. Hawaii Island was represented by Tony Bacani and Joanne Bacani. James “Jimbo”

Morgan was the flower king, and Taryn Bazzo was the flower queen.  BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The first official Lei Day was celebrated in 1928. May Day is a celebration of the aloha spirit

through the giving of lei and the sharing of Hawaiian culture. It’s a statewide tradition that includes wearing lei, listening to music, dances, and the sharing of lei. The lei is a

significant part of Hawaiian culture, representing love, welcome, appreciation and celebration.