Photo Gallery
These albums highlight our collective effort to commemorate Hawai‘i’s role in the nation’s 250th anniversary. We invite you to explore and share in the moments that bring this celebration to life.
July 4, 2025 Displaying the America250 flag on Independence Day around the State of Hawai'i
On July 4, 2025, communities across the State of Hawai‘i proudly displayed the America250 flag in honor of Independence Day,
marking the countdown to our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Fron color guards to parades to community events, the flag was raised as a symbol of unity, reflection, and shared commitment to honoring the past while looking toward the future.
Honolulu, June 14, 2025. Massing of the Colors, State Capitol Rotunda
The Military Order of the World Wars hosted a Massing of the Colors ceremony which featured the ceremonial procession
of flags from twenty-six Veterans, Civic, Genealogical, and Military Professional organizations. BG Walter Ross Jr., Director, Joint Staff, Hawai‘i National Guard,
and Joint Force Headquarters; State House Representative Diamond Garcia; and State Senator Brandon Elefante were the distinguished speakers.
The event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the formation of the US Army and the 248th anniversary of the approved design of the US flag.
(It is also the 136th anniversary of Flag Day; the first Flag Day was celebrated in New York on June 14, 1889.)
The event was held at the Hawai‘i State Capitol Rotunda to reflect the role of the legislative branch in adopting the flag.
(The Continental Congress approved the design of the US flag).
Massing of the Colors – June 14, 2025
- State Representative Diamond Garcia delivered heartfelt comments.
- The Waipahu High School JROTC Color Guard posted the colors.
- The America250 Flag was flown at the event.
- CPT David Vaughn, USA (RET), served as Master of Ceremonies.
- Minister Kahu Kelekona Bishaw delivered the opening Pule (Hawaiian prayer).
- LTC Bob Takao, US Army (RET), announced the Massing of the Colors.
- Representatives from numerous Veterans, Civic, Genealogical, and Military Professional organizations posted their colors.
- Laura Ingenlyuff, Vice Regent, NSDAR Hawai‘i, posted the DAR America250 Flag.
- All flags were posted for the ceremony.
- BG Walter Ross Jr. provided remarks on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
- Rep. Diamond Garcia signed the reverse side of the Declaration of Independence.
- CDR Jeremy Hallaway, USN (RET), toasted the flag.
- BG Ross and future cadet Cale Whiteman prepared to cut the U.S. Army Birthday Cake.
- LTC Dan Curtis, COL Arthur Tulak, and other SAR members participated in the ceremony.
Kealakekua, June 14, 2025. Flag Retirement Ceremony, National Guard Armory
As we prepare to mark America250, this flag retirement ceremony reminds us that honoring the U.S. flag is part of honoring the nation itself. These images capture a powerful tradition—one that teaches respect, reflection, and the enduring values our country was founded upon. Representatives from The American Legion Post #20-Kona hosted the ceremony, which was attended by representatives from the Hawai‘i Loa Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, The American Legion Post #4-Kohala, Boy Scout Troop 38-Waikoloa, and Cub Scout Pack #12-Kealakekua.
Flag Retirement Ceremony – June 14, 2025
- Post #20's Commander and Chaplain opened the ceremony with a welcome and invocation.
- Participants removed the brass grommets from each flag.
- Post #20 conducted the formal flag retirement ceremony.
- The ceremonial first flag was prepared for retirement.
- Hundreds of flags were retired during the event.
- The group also celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the US Army.
- Boy Scout Troop #38 – Waikoloa took part in the event.
- Each volunteer received a Hawai‘i America250 commemorative patch.
Hilo, May 27, 2025. Revolutionary War Patriots Marker Dedication Ceremony, Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home
Representatives from the Hawai‘i State Organization National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) gathered at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home to dedicate a Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial Marker. The ceremony honored the enduring legacy of the men and women who contributed to America’s fight for independence. The newly installed marker, now prominently displayed in the facility’s Activities Center, serves as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice and as an educational symbol for future generations.
Revolutionary War Patriots Marker Dedication Ceremony – May 27, 2025
- Hawai‘i State Organization NSDAR gathered to dedicate the Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial Marker.
- The marker is displayed prominently in the Activities Center at Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home.
- The ceremony honors the legacy and sacrifice of patriots who contributed to America’s independence.
- The marker serves as an educational symbol for future generations.
Kailua-Kona, May 26, 2025. Memorial Day Ceremony and Revolutionary War Patriots Marker Dedication, West Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery.
The American Legion Post #4-Kohala partnered with West Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery Development and Expansion Association and the Hawai'i Loa Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution to host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony honoring our fallen heroes. The ceremony included the dedication of the Revolutionary War Patriots Marker jointly funded by DAR and WHVCDEA.
Danny Akaka signifies the start of the ceremony with the traditional blowing of the Pu.
The America250 Flag was flown for the first time in the State of Hawai'i.
Ke'alohi Wang opens the ceremony with a traditional Hawaiian Oli. Bruce Banick, Commander, Post #4, was Master of Ceremonies.
Danny Akaka Jr and Anna Akaka offer the opening Pule, a traditional Hawaiian prayer.
Tom Wojszynski, Vice Commander, The American Legion Post #4, renders honors at the POW/MIA table.
Merrick Nishimoto, Deputy Managing Director, Hawai'i County, welcomes visitors to the ceremony.
Representatives from State and Local Government provided respectful comments honoring the tradition of Memorial Day: State Senator Tim Richards; Hawai‘i County Council Members Holeka Inaba, Rebecca Villegas, and James Hustace; and Melissa Samura, Deputy Director, Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation.
Julie Ignacio, Regent, Hawai'i State Organization National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, was the keynote speaker.
Dr Karen Tucker, Regent, Hawai'i Loa Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, led the dedication of the Revolutionary War Patriots Marker.
Danny and Anna Akaka, accompanied by Ke'alohi Wang, offered a traditional Hawaiian blessing before the unveiling of the Patriots Marker.
The Patriots Marker was unveiled by members of the Hawai'i Loa Chapter and West Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery Development and Expansion Association.
The Revolutionary War Patriots Marker at the beginning of the West Hawai'i Veterans Cemetery Memorial Walkway.
Nearly 400 people attended the ceremony and dedication.
Honolulu, May 17, 2025. Aloha Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Revolutionary War Patriots Marker Dedication Ceremony
Members of the Aloha Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, along with guests,
gathered outside the Aloha Chapter Hale to dedicate the America 250 Revolutionary War Patriots Marker.
Julene Ignacio, Regent, Hawai‘i State Organization NSDAR, attended alongside Honorary State Regents and representatives from the
Sons of the American Revolution. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi issued a Proclamation, and Governor Josh Green sent a special message commemorating the event.
Aloha Chapter Regent Christine Domhoff (right), Chaplain Pauline Wagnon, and Vice Regent Stephanie Conching led the dedication ceremony.
Aloha Chapter Regent Christine Domhoff (right) and Chaplain Pauline Wagnon unveil the Patriots Marker.
Honorary State Regents Kathy Johnson, Kathy Koos-Lee, and Myrtis Mohica also attended the event.
Julie Ignacio (center), Regent, and Laura Ingenlyuff, Vice Regent, Hawai'i State Organization NSDAR, were in attendance to help dedicate the Patriots Marker.
Dan Curtis, second from left, representing the Sons of the American Revolution, stands with others at this historical event.
Numerous DAR members attended the event.
Ft Shafter, April 19, 2025. 250th Anniversary of the first Battle of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord
The Military Committee of the Hawai'i America 250 Commission hosted the opening ceremony of Hawaii's commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the opening battles of the Revolutionary War fought at Lexington and Concord. The ceremony took place at the Gazebo across from the former Headquarters of US Army Pacific, Richardson Hall, with Lt Gen Joel B. Vowell as keynote speaker. Following the opening ceremony, a reception was held for all guests.
COL Arthur Tulak, US Army (RET), Military Committee Chair, Hawai'i America250 Commission, provides opening remarks at the 250th Anniversary of the first battle of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord.
Members of the Waipahu High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) provided the Color Guard at the Hawaii State opening ceremony for the Hawaii 250th Commemoration, on the 250th Anniversary of the first battle of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord.
Lt. Gen. Joel B. Vowell, Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) delivers the keynote address at the Hawaii State opening ceremony for the Hawaii 250th Commemoration, on the 250th Anniversary of the first battle of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord.
Members of the Hawai'i Society Sons of the American Revolution and Hawai'i Aloha Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution attended the event.
Hilo, April 18, 2025. The American Legion Riders and other motorcyclists reenacted Paul Revere's midnight ride.
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's midnight ride, members of The American Legion Riders and other motorcyclists gathered along Hilo Bayfront. Escorted by Hawai'i County Police, the group rode through the streets of Hilo and reminded everyone about this historic event.
Led by 92-year-old Terry “Pop” Bachiller, The American Legion Riders start off on an historic ride commemorating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's midnight ride.
The American Legion Riders discuss the ride prior to moving out.
Members of the Hawai'i America250 Committee and Representatives of the Hawai'i Loa Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution participated in the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's historic ride. (Photo: Tim Wright/News Photos Hawai'i)
Nationwide, April 18, 2025. Two Lights for Tomorrow (250th Anniversary of “One if by land, two if by sea”)
On the night of April 18, 1775, two lanterns were shining from the Old North Church in Boston indicating British troops were going
to cross the Charles River – this was memorialized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “the midnight ride of Paul Revere” and the signal of
“One, if by land, and two, if by sea”.
Hawai‘i America250 Commission joined this national program, and people across Hawai‘i participated with us. Two Lights for Tomorrow is what many suggest is the beginning of the commemoration programs remembering the events of 250 years ago.
