Hawaii Honors Veterans at 108th Ceremony
The state's 2026 Veterans Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific featured a flyover by four F-22 fighter jets.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Military
Hawaii held its 2026 State Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, the 108th such ceremony. Keynote speaker Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr. led the event, which included a flyover by four F-22 fighter jets.
Why it matters
The ceremony marks the state's annual recognition of military service and honors veterans of the nation's armed forces. It draws on participation from local ROTC and youth programs, reflecting the military's ongoing presence in Hawaii.
The ceremony included a flyover of four F-22 fighter jets and marked the 108th Veterans Day Ceremony held in Hawaii, honoring a veteran population the source places at about 50 million since the nation's founding. The source does not report attendance figures or budget details for the event.
The players
Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr.
Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr. is a senior U.S. Navy officer who served as the keynote speaker at the ceremony.
Governor Josh Green
Josh Green is the Governor of Hawaii, who laid a special wreath during the state's Veterans Day ceremony.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blinagiardi
Rick Blinagiardi is the mayor of Honolulu, who participated in leading the ceremony.
The details
Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr. delivered the keynote, and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blinagiardi joined in leading the ceremony. Governor Josh Green laid a special wreath, the American Flag was unfurled, and the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band and Mauka Warrior Luau performed beforehand, while Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy Cadets presented the states and territories.
Timeline
November 11, 2026: Hawaii held its 2026 State Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Military Tradition
The 2026 ceremony continues an annual observance rooted in the 1954 federal designation of Veterans Day, the 108th such ceremony held in Hawaii. It reflects the state's long-running tradition of pairing military honors, such as the F-22 flyover, with civilian and youth participation.
Residents who wish to attend future Veterans Day observances in Hawaii can expect public ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The ceremony's public military honors, including the F-22 flyover, are visible events for local attendees.
The takeaway
The annual Veterans Day ceremony offers a public way for Hawaii residents to recognize service members and veterans. Attending local observances is a direct way to participate in honoring those who have served.
Further reading
For more on the state's armed forces, see the Military section.
