My Fellow Americans:

It is my pleasure to extend my heartfelt aloha and appreciation to the members of the Armed Forces stationed in Hawaii. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you for your brave service, and for your willingness to stand in harm's way in defense of our democratic freedoms.

I hope you and your families will accept the accolades, and will enjoy the numerous festivities that have been planned in your honor. It is but a small token of our gratitude. We are indebted to you and your families for your service and your sacrifices.

We pray for the safe return of all of our troops. Good luck, Godspeed and God Bless America.

Aloha,

— DANIEL K. INOUYE, United States Senator

It is with great pleasure that I express my warmest aloha to Hawaii's military community during Military Appreciation Month.

I am deeply proud of the members of our armed forces. As we mark the beginning of this month long celebration of Hawaii's military and their families, I want to take this opportunity to express my mahalo to each and every member of the armed forces. Hawaii Military Appreciation Month is a wonderful way to honor the troops and their families who have supported them during lengthy deployments and upon their return home. Please be assured of my constant support and sincere appreciation for these brave men and women and their loved ones.

As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and a veteran myself, I know the many difficulties our military members face in their work to defend this nation. It is my great privilege and honor, therefore, to recognize the commitment and dedication of these soldiers and sailors as well as their families. Please accept my deepest and most sincere mahalo and appreciation.

Aloha pumehana,

— DANIEL K. AKAKA, U.S. Senator

Aloha Hawaii's Armed Forces,

Choosing one month every year to express the gratitude we feel to all who serve in our armed forces is not enough time. We owe a debt that deserves acknowledgement twelve months a year. But celebrating Hawaii Military Appreciation Month gives focus to our feelings of appreciation.

Hawaii's representatives in the United States Senate and House of Representatives are constantly reminded of the sacrifice made by our men and women in uniform and their families, particularly in time of war. Our responsibility to them and our duty to the nation is to continue to do all we can to ensure that they have everything they need to complete their mission successfully and safely, and to make sure their families are as secure and comfortable as possible. And, it is a responsibility I will continue to fulfill as Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and Member of the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee.

To the men and women of the United States Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corp:

Mahalo nui loa.

— Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Senator

Aloha,

Today we pay tribute to our country's brave men and women of our armed services who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country. While the month of May is officially "Military Appreciation Month," it is something we should carry with us each day. Here in Hawai'i we have a significant military ohana, including some 40,000 active, reserve and National Guard troops. We are truly thankful for their courage, dedication and loyal service.

It is also a time to reflect and to remember that when a loved one is deployed, family members are often left with additional responsibilities and household burdens. I want to personally extend a special message of recognition and appreciation to the more than 50,000 family members for the sacrifices they've made, especially over the past seven years.

The military contribution to our island community is also well documented. From the U.S. Marine Corps taking the lead by collecting gifts for "Toys for Tots," to the U.S. Air Force's "Adopt a School Program," as well as the efforts by the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, the military has touched all of our lives for the better.

Please join me in saluting and thanking the members of our military ohana not only during Military Appreciation Month, but throughout the year.

— MAZIE K. HIRONO, Member of Congress 2nd District, Hawai'i

Proclamation

Americans owe a great debt to the members of America's military who serve with distinction and pride. Their brave service and selfless sacrifice defends our democracy and our way of life.

We share our warmest wishes of aloha to service members who are Hawai'i residents and those from the mainland stationed here. These troops are the first responders in natural disasters, providing aid to our residents and visitors. We also appreciate the sacrifices of military families, who support their loved ones by offering inspiration and hope. When soldiers are stationed in Hawai'i, they are also part of our 'ohana, our family.

The United States Congress designates May as National Military Appreciation Month in observation, remembrance and appreciation of the many sacrifices our soldiers make for our benefit. In honoring Hawai'i's military 'ohana for the past 23 years, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i is hosting several events, including opening ceremonies April 24 aboard the U.S.S. Missouri and culminating with a Military Recognition Luncheon May 22 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa.

THEREFORE, I, LINDA LINGLE, Governor, and I, JAMES R. "DUKE" AIONA, JR., Lieutenant Governor of the State of Hawai'i, do hereby proclaim May 2008 as MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH in Hawai'i, and express our gratitude to U.S. military service members and their families for their commitment to the defense of our freedom.

DONE at the State Capitol, in the Executive Chambers, Honolulu, State of Hawai'i, this first day of May 2008.

— LINDA LINGLE, Governor, State of Hawai'i

— JAMES R. "DUKE" AIONA, JR. Lieutenant Governor, State of Hawai'i

Aloha. It is with great pleasure that the people of Honolulu join in thanking and recognizing the men and women of our armed forces during Military Appreciation Month.

Members of our United States Armed Forces are an integral part of our ohana. The military assists with disaster relief after hurricanes and floods, helps to restore and protect Oahu's environment, and conducts programs and projects that directly benefit our residents. Many of our island's community service projects and charitable events could not be possible without the support of military personnel and their families who volunteer their time to these worthy causes. As a result of this involvement, close, professional ties have been created between the military and City agencies.

We proudly welcome the troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. They have helped to stamp out terrorism and bring freedom, and we owe them our gratitude. In recognition of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the City pays tribute to our fallen heroes at the annual Memorial Day Service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

On behalf of the people of the City and County of Honolulu, I thank the members of our Armed Forces and their families for their service to our community.

— MUFI HANNEMANN, Mayor, City and County of Honolulu

Aloha from the Garden Island! It is indeed my privilege to honor and recognize all of the valiant men and women in the military as we celebrate the 23rd annual Hawai'i Military Appreciation Month.

History has taught us the importance of the military in Hawai'i and around the world. The people of Kaua'i are very grateful for the services the men and women in uniform provide us each and every day, and for the sacrifices they are willing to make. They are truly the embodiment of the Aloha spirit, putting themselves in harm's way to preserve our freedom and ensure that we can live without fear. Your example inspires us all!

We would be remiss not to also recognize the families of these heroes for sharing these special men and women with us. These families deserve our gratitude as they also make sacrifices for their communities, state and nation.

On behalf of the County of Kaua'i, I am pleased to extend the warmest mahalo to the military of Hawai'i, deployed troops and their families. Your contributions, dedication and character will never be forgotten.

Aloha pumehana,

— BRYAN J. BAPTISTE, Mayor, County of Kaua'i

On behalf of the people of the County of Hawai'i, it is a great honor to commend our troops deployed overseas and their families in Hawai'i for the sacrifices they make for our country.

On the occasion of the 23rd Annual Hawai'i Military Appreciation Month, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our servicemen and women who are doing so much to ensure our safety and security.

We deeply appreciate and support the families of these men and women, who are at home in Hawai'i waiting and praying for their safe return.

Once again we thank each and every one of the troops and their families for their service to our country and our community.

With much aloha,

— HARRY KIM, Mayor, County of Hawai'i