The National Anthem and the Hawaii state song were played in the Capitol chamber.

"Our prayers are with you and we are honored by your presence," said House Speaker Sen. Calvin Say.

Present were the fathers, mothers, wives, children and friends of two dozen service members killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wednesday, they received the Hawaii Medal of Honor, for the sacrifices of their loved ones. 

"It's really heartwarming and comforting to hear that he hasn't been forgotten," said Robert Vickers.

His son, Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Kraig Vickers, bomb disposal expert, died in Afghanistan in August 2011.

On Wednesday, his wife and three young children flew in from Virginia, but are now here for good.

It is their choice so they can be near his family on Maui.

"I believe they will be exposed to a lot of things that Kraig loved, including his friends. They've been just rallying, and we see them all the time, and they're telling the stories of Kraig that we never knew," said Vickers’ mother Mary.

"It's just truly an honor," said Dan Nuncio.