This is pretty random, but the spectacle of the Governor, Lt. Governor, two U.S. Senators, a Congressional Representative, and the Adjutant General engaging in a group hug while they send off men and women to kill or be killed while occupying another country is just so absurd, it needed to be shared.

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Group hug to send off soldiers

A ceremony to bid aloha to some 1,700 soldiers of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team leaving for Kuwait also will attempt Saturday to set the Guinness World Record for the largest group hug.

The public is invited to join in the embrace at Aloha Stadium with Gov. Linda Lingle, U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona Jr., state Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Robert Lee and Ashley Kakazu, 10, the organizer.

Parking gates open at 6 a.m. and parking is free. Stadium seating gates open at 8 a.m. The deployment ceremony begins at 11 a.m.

The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Brigade will be heading to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 29th Brigade is made up of a headquarters company and cavalry, field artillery, brigade support and special troops battalions and the 100th Battalion/ 442nd Infantry of the Army Reserve, a release said.

Everyone will be asked to link up simultaneously for the world record attempt in the largest group hug, originally suggested by Ashley, a Punahou student. The current world record is 6,623 for 35 seconds, set in Mexico, a release said.

The public, family and friends are encouraged to bring canned goods to help the Hawaii Foodbank.

Source: http://archives.starbulletin.com/2008/08/13/news/briefs.html