News Release
[gn_quote]”Veteransʻs stories and poems are immense in scope and in heart, and — amazingly — full of life and laughter. They … tell the truth, and so make peace.” — Maxine Hong Kingston.[/gn_quote]
On Veterans Day (11/11/11), Maxine Hong Kingston will lead a reading of veterans’ writings at the Friends Meeting House in Manoa Valley (2426 Oahu Avenue). Author of The Woman Warrior and many other books, Maxine is a Hawai‘i Living Treasure (Honpa Hongwanji) and was awarded the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Maxine started a veterans writing and meditation workshop in 1993, and the group continues to meet. Eighty of these veteran writers authored an anthology, Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace, edited by Maxine and published by Koa Books.
At the 11/11/11 gathering, Maxine Hong Kingston will read selections from this book and she invites you to come and read a peace poem, sections from Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace, or another writing for up to five minutes. Or just come to listen. We will also have a walking meditation, and will ring a bell of peace in commemoration of those who have died in war.
This gathering is free and open to the public. Veterans, active-duty military, and their families are especially invited to attend. Please share this invitation with anyone you think might like to attend. Sponsored by Koa Books, Dharma Friends, Hawai‘i Peace and Justice (formerly American Friends Service Committee – Hawaii), and Ala Kukui / Hana Retreat. For more information contact arnie@koabooks.com or 808-875-7995.
