In a solemn tribute to a man whose life was defined by his altruism and dedication to humanitarian causes, Governor Josh Green of Hawai‘i has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff across the state. This gesture of mourning is to honor the life's work of John Henry Felix, humanitarian and trailblazer in global relief efforts. According to the Office of the Governor, flags will remain at half-mast from sunrise on June 24 to sunset on June 26, framing the day of his memorial services on June 25.
According to the Office of the Governor, "Few people have lived a life that reads more like an epic novel than John Henry Felix," Governor Green remarked in a statement. The governor recounted the span of Felix's impact, which began with a young boy assembling Red Cross care kits and matured into the adult who constructed a humanitarian infrastructure critical for regions as diverse as Kalaupapa in Hawai‘i and the war-stricken lands of Cambodia. "His work has saved and bettered the lives of untold thousands," the governor said, highlighting Felix's over eight-decade commitment to service above self.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Felix's resume of philanthropy and leadership is lengthy and distinguished. He served as Chair Emeritus of the Hawai‘i Red Cross, founded multiple Red Cross Societies in the Pacific, and played pivotal roles in international relief in Southeast Asia and Africa. He also served as Chair of the American Red Cross International Committee and held a position of leadership within the Boy Scouts of America and the March of Dimes.
As per the Office of the Governor, among his numerous accolades, Felix was awarded the International Red Cross Dunant Medal of Honor, a distinction he carries as the first American recipient, and he was designated a Distinguished Eagle Scout. His legacy includes innovative programs such as the "Walking Blood Donor Program" in remote Pacific islands, a precursor to mobile blood banks, which embodied his unique talent for pairing ingenuity with deep compassion.
Governor Green's order serves as an expression of gratitude and remembrance for a man whose life was a beacon of hope and whose actions fostered the well-being of countless individuals across the globe. As the Hawaiian community prepares to lower their flags, they will solemnly reflect on a giant in compassion and public service, whose departure leaves an indelible mark on humanity.
