paradise ali

Everyday, but especially today, on this Memorial Day, we honor our brave military and the sacrifices they and their families made.  May the coming year bring back to us those who are in harm’s way and may we have the opportunity to embrace the peace for which so many gave their lives.

Our Gift to the Fallen
© 2007 Charlie Gragg

For each soldier that has fallen so that many may stand
We honor their spirit as they pass to God’s hand
For without their sacrifice we would live forever in fear
We pray for their loved ones and provide a salute and a tear
God help us heal the wounds of hate and the misery of war
That is our gift to our fallen heroes that are amongst us no more.

"God help us heal the wounds of hate and the misery of war."  I love our soldiers but I don’t support war.  I wish our leaders would choose a different way.

Beautiful, powerful photos by Joe Philipson of Philipson Photography.  The photos above are from his Flickr photostream.   Some rights reserved.

The front page of our local paper says, “Almost 7,000 votes cast in county, Big Island turnout for caucus was 25 percent higher than state average.” How awesome is that!

The Hawai’i County Democrats expected a large turnout but they actually ran out of forms. People packed into the meeting places and many had to wait outside for quite some time. Parking was crazy, too. Hunter Bishop has a hilarious comment about halfway down his report on the massive turnout for the caucus in the Puna area. (Locals sometimes lovingly refer to the Puna district as “Hippie Heaven” but I happen to like the progressive thinking atmosphere!)

I’m so excited! Hawai’i born Obama was the clear winner, as expected, but what I’m excited about is the level of participation! Our county, our state might make a difference this year and the voters are stepping up to the plate!