Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 14, Number 2, 1 February 1997 — If I knew then what I know now [ARTICLE]

If I knew then what I know now

I'm a Hawaiian Viet Nam veteran. Joined the Army's "All-Hawai'i" company in 1966 after graduating from McKiniey. Sworn in at the steps of 'Iolani Palaee, loyal to America and Viet Nam-bound. I was enlightened at Leeward College after being discharged from the service. Professors were preaching anti-Americanism and they were right! Demonstrations then were in the colleges. Colleges had the true info — the public got what was not eensored.

I would never have gone to war if I knew America destroyed my Queen and our people's destiny! I must have missed that class, whieh should have been taught every year! The book, Hawaii's Story," by Queen Lili'uokalani, should have been required reading for all students! How many Hawaiians went to war not knowing, and died for the wrong cause! Rise and shine Hawaiians! "Ea." George Kahumoku Flores Honolulu