To Our Readers
I swung by the Hawaii Kai Town Center last Tuesday evening and noticed there was a party at the McDonald's restaurant. This is the spanking new one, which sprouted almost overnight like a mushroom on a golf course where a branch bank used to be. Commissioning
the good ship
Ronald McDonaldFolks were sipping from champagne flutes under the golden arches. It was a dress-up affair --no fast-food shorts or running shoes in evidence, but plenty of puu puu, lei and smiles.
When I drove by next day headed for town, there was a big "Now Open" banner and cars lined up at the drive-through.
I confess, it reminded me of the day I attended the commissioning of the Aegis cruiser USS Lake Erie at Pearl Harbor in January 1993. Lake Erie was the first U.S. Navy warship ever commissioned in Hawaii and it was an emotional ceremony.
We heard speeches from the appropriate admirals, contractors and politicians. They described the pride of her builders at Maine's Bath Iron Works and the heritage of her name. They spoke of the battle of Lake Erie in 1813, of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the commander in the American victory, and of his famed battle flag, a large blue banner with the inscription "Don't Give Up the Ship."
One speaker explained the significance of a commissioning. From that moment forward, for the next 30 years or more, the ship would be alive. Men and women would stand watch, keep the log and train, train, train.
Her crew of 370 would change; new captains would come and go; careers would be made; engagements fought; prizes won.
Then the band struck up "Anchors Aweigh" and the crew boarded her, running at double-time up the brow and manning the rails. Witnessing the birth of a ship, few eyes were dry.
OK, launching a shiny new restaurant -- one so new it isn't yet listed on McDonald's' online "Restaurant Locator and Trip Planner" -- is in no way as big a deal as commissioning a new Ticonderoga-class cruiser. But there are some similarities.
For the next 30 years or more, fries will be sizzling, burgers flipping and customers super-sizing. Untold new billions will be sold while managers and crews come and go. Careers will be made.
So, always remember, burger cooks, "Don't Give Up the Flip."
John Flanagan is editor and publisher of the Star-Bulletin.
To reach him call 529-4748, fax to 529-4750, send
e-mail to publisher@starbulletin.com or write to
500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-500, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.