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Lei Day, 1943 E Nimble Hawaiian fingers that once wove flower garlands now use their skill in making camouflage nets to conceal military fortifications . Men and women who once made their living growing flowers are doing more vital work. Land that once grew blossoms is now planted with vegetables so that the islands may become more self-sustaining. This is typical of every phase of life in Hawaii, which has put aside its light-hearted mood of the past and has pitched into wartime activities more seriously, perhaps, than any American community. Lei Day is now Bond Day in Hawaii, and the pageantry, except for an informal program and display of leis at the City Hall and celebrations at the University and schools, has been put aside for the duration . Last year Bond Day netted Uncle Sam more than a million dollars and the amount this year is expected to exceed that. The campaign , sponsored by the retail board of the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce , will feature a souvenir Lei Day-Bond Day stamp on every bond purchased that day. It is pleasant, however, to look back into the past when the first of May was occasion for a celebration unique in all the world. Some have said that it was the happiest, gayest holiday ever celebrated in any land. The islands literally became a walking rainbow, when men and women of every age wore leis and presented them to their friends. Although it seems like decades ago, it was as recently as May 1941 when Hawaii had its last big Lei Day celebration. There were festive events, music, pageantry, a Lei Day queen and her attendants, and special dancing parties at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the Young Roof Garden, and other night spots. Official recognition of Lei Day dates back as far as 1910, when a festival was held at the home of Governor Cleghorn and a queen was given a floral-lei crown. From that day on, the observance grew more elaborate every year. Highlights included the pageant at the Univer130 First published May 1943. sity of Hawaii, with the Lei Day queen and her pretty attendants, and the display of leis at Thomas Square, with awarding of prizes to the most beautiful and most original garlands. Added impetus to the celebration was created by Don Blanding, Hawaii’s “poet laureate,” who is now in the army. In 1928 at Blanding ’s suggestion, Lei Day was officially added to Hawaii’s calendar, and since that time it has become known as the holiday that has no counterpart anywhere in the world. War!—1943 131 ...

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