Joe Hilton (Cigar-Cigar Etc), a high school classmate, sent around a reminder that this is an important anniversary:

“Dear UHS Class of ’65,

A minor milestone of life has arrived, 45 years ago today you all graduated at Andrews Amphitheater on that balmy Saturday afternoon. It was the last time many of us would see each other. Peering out over that elevated earthen stage were parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles and aunts and assorted interested parties. On stage were the 88 eager to toss the tassel signifying that we were going to be going places and that destiny was playing out its hand. Of course the reality was that there were many more years of familial obligations and studying before life played its familiar song.

Newly elected U.S. Senator/later political godfather Dan Inouye was delivering the commencement address in his now well documented style. Who knew that this now Medal of Honor recipient would be pulling the strings of so much that happens in/to this state. The drone of songs and speeches dragged on and then suddenly each row would stand and we would pony up to receive that roll of blank paper and shake hands with Dr. Daniel Noda. In a few more minutes we were all down on the grassy area in a semi-circle, some teary eyed and many up to their ears in flower lei. Proud parents hugged us and life then stood in the distance. It was about 5:30-6:00 pm and the Manoa clouds were gathering mixed in with a soft orange glow in the distance. We all left for our respective parties and redezvous. It was all a little anti-climactic, who knew what dramas would be laying in wait…. ”

Top photo: Class of 1965 graduation, June 5, 1965. Bottom photo: Graduate Ian Lind with mother, Helen Lind.