A Vietnam veteran with Hawaii roots is being honored on the national stage just ahead of Veterans Day, a feel-good story for military families.

• Robert Kiyosaki, a Hilo High School graduate and Marine who served in Vietnam, will serve as grand marshal of the National Veterans Parade in Washington, D.C.
• The parade happens this Sunday, with a procession from the National Archives to the White House.
• Kiyosaki says his military ties trace back through his family's history in Hawaii, and he wants his role to highlight that America's wars are fought to protect freedoms like speech, religion, and voting, not to oppress others.
• He frames the event as more than a one-day tribute, calling it a chance to remind the country of the sacrifices made across every branch of the military.

Outlook: The parade proceeds as planned this Sunday, with Kiyosaki representing veterans nationally around Veterans Day.