Note: This is part of my Weekly Wednesday AQ Wisdom special series. To see other posts in the series, click on the Best Bets tab at the top of any page here and scroll down to the AQ McElrath section.
You know I’m a nerd, right? And that I’m a fan of wit, puns, and the double entendre? Well, in case you didn’t notice, the title of this post can be read as being about Ah Quon McElrath (known to her friends as AQ) or about Aloha Airlines whose International Air Transport Association airline code was AQ.
Today is mostly about AQ, but I was elated with the news of U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Lloyd King’s ruling to invalidate the sale of Aloha’s name and logo. The legacy of The Real Aloha Airlines will not be defiled, despite Mesa Air Group’s go! Airlines’ efforts, at least for now…
Now, on to AQ.
Along with hundreds of others, I attended AQ McElrath’s Celebration of Life on Saturday at the ILWU’s headquarters, Hale Hapaiko. It truly was a celebration, complete with performances, songs, and uplifting speeches. I even bumped into fellow Tweep Gene Park (@genepark), who covered it as his last story for the Star-Bulletin.
But after attending the nearly three-hour service, it dawned on me what seemed off about the event: of the hundreds present, only about five were under the age of 40, myself included. Unfortunately, this is indicative of not only the union movement, but also political involvement in general. At least in my observations, as often as they may be. However, I concede some young people do get involved, but it’s more likely the exception to the rule than the trend.
This concerns me – tremendously. I even shared my observation with one of those other “young” people there, someone I’ve known since college. We both were equally concerned, but were at a loss as to what tangible efforts we could make to change that.
Until now. To help keep AQ’s legacy alive and to share it with young adults, I’m going to devote one post a week to something about her, usually on Wednesdays. I’m using “Weekly AQ Wisdom” as my working title for this series. And hey, as long as my fiancee and Kim Fassler read it, that’s two other young people I’ve reached. But I hope everyone finds it useful and encouraging.
I’m sure many who didn’t make it are curious how the program went, so here it is:
Prelude: Suzuki Talent Education of Hawaii, directed by Helen Higa
Welcome: Chris Conybeare, M.C.
Greeting from the ILWU: Fred Galdones, Wesley Furtado, William Adams
Remembering Ah Quon: Marcus Oshiro, Eddia Lapa, Jory Watland, Claire Shimabukuro, Eugene Vrana
Interlude: Honolulu Symphony Orchestra Spring Wind Quintet
Sharing Memories: Audience invited
Message from Family: Ah Nee Leong, Gail Long
Postlude: Del Beazley & Friends
And as Chris Conybeare kept repeating throughout the service, Don’t mourn AQ, but keep her spirit alive…organize!
Mahalo!
Capsun I think you would be a hero if you can get the younger people involved. I think Obama did the best job in the last campaign that I have ever seen. However, you look at the elections and the lack of apathy not only with the young people, but everyone. It's a travesty how many people just stick their head in the sand and don't vote. I have no clue what the answer is. I disagree with Quilly that the downturned economy might wake people up. We have been through this before and it didn't seem to do anything. There is such a lack of trust with our government that I think it just turns people away. Thank goodness that the youth, such as yourself are actively involved. There is hope!!
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