Nainoa Kealiihokuhelelani Hoe, who was born 30 years ago under a full moon, died three years ago this month under a similar moon when he was felled by a sniper’s bullet in Mosul, Iraq.The 1995 Kamehameha Schools graduate’s middle name means the “ali’i moon that travels the heavens.”

Now, in a blending of Hawaiian warrior tradition and U.S. military sacrifice, a tattered American battle flag first carried by Nainoa’s father, Allen, in Vietnam, and later by Nainoa in Iraq, has been on a worldwide journey and is back in Iraq with Hawai’i’s Stryker brigade.

As a further memorial, Allen Hoe, 60, also asked military members to send him photos of the full moon in tribute to his son and “as a connection between all of us.” He has received hundreds of such photos worldwide.   ……more

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Derek Sanchez saluted the new year’s first full moon last week in San Diego, in honor of Army 1st Lt.  Nainoa Hoe.
Hoe was born under a full moon - and died under one, too, felled by a sniper in Iraq in 2005.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Valcarce