The field is a sweet light green with dark cloud shadows slowly floating by. I've been sitting here for a while just picking at the grass and listening to Daddy's light snoring.

I sigh and look over at him and he looks like he's out cold on his back. My eyes fall on something very shiny on his chest. I know what it is but I've never had the nerve to ask Daddy to see it…his dog tags.

Carefully I pick it up in my hand felling the engraved metal in my fingers. I cock my head to read what it actually says. Virginia always says it just says America but what does nui kunane know anyway?

So I crawl forward to really get a better look, "Jones, Alfred...America." I feel each letter surprised that it has more to say on the back of one, "1941…Never Forget."

1941? I wonder if it means December 7th 1941. I remember it was a warm morning and Makuahine had taken me down to see the men and Daddy's flag.

But then…I look up at the clouds thinking back like it was yesterday. Makuahine had shielded me but I still felt the pain, the terror…and even now I can hear the screams. All I could see though my tears were smoke and fire, so many died…so many trapped.

Daddy came as quick as he could and that was the first time in my life I've seen anything but joy and happiness in his eyes. They were filled with a mix of sadness and rage, but I remember how gentle he was with Makuahine and even though she refused at first he took her back with him to the mainland until she was well again.

She had been so sick, so bloody and wounded, I was sure she was going to die but Tutu said she would come back to me and our islands. But why would Daddy want to have that around his neck? I guess I've been staring at it for a while when his hand takes mine. I nearly jump out of my skin looking down in his blue eyes as I try to take back my hand, "I'm sorry, Makua."

His hand doesn't move for a moment, "Don't be Hawaii." He sits up his dog tags now dangling near his heart; he must know something's wrong because he just keeps looking at me, "Whatever it is you can tell me."

I just nod picking at a blade of grass not wanting to ask but at the same time I really, really do, "Umm…Why does your dog tags say that?" I look away playing with my grass.

I'm surprised when he wraps me in a hug holding me close to his chest, "Why wouldn't it? I went to war in 1941 didn't I?" I nod feeling a little stupid for asking but he doesn't let go, "Do you know what a Gentleman's war is?" When I give a small nod he continues, "Well, WW1 was the last…so when I entered WW2…"

He trails off for a moment and I look up to see him looking off in the distance, "I saw things I never want to see again and I did things…I never want to repeat." He inhales slowly before looking down at me and I can see the hint of sadness in his eyes, "That's why I promise never to forget…so we don't ever repeat what we did…what I did to my own people."

I instantly know what he means as I lay my head back into his strong chest both of us looking off in the distance at the large volcano, listening to the birds singing their sweet song, "I'll never forget either Daddy but…I think we should also learn to forgive ourselves too."

Daddy kisses the top of my head and even though I'm still looking ahead I can tell he's smiling, "That's a good idea Pepe." I hear his stomach growl and I let out a laugh.

"I have another idea; we should go get some Loco Moco."

"Hawaiian burgers? Hell Yeah Kai lets go." He stands and takes my hand, "And don't ever be afraid to ask me anything. This hero wouldn't lie to you."

I think it over for a moment before I ask, "Daddy who burned our Capitol?"

"Ask you're Tutu."

For once I'm going to translate

Nui kunane- big brother

Makuahine- Mother

Makua- Dad

Tutu- Grandmother

Pepe- Baby

Loco Moco- Hamburger patties served with gravy and two eggs, along with rice and macaroni salad