Veterans Day can be both somber and hopeful as we celebrate U.S. military service members of the past and present. Like Memorial Day, the purpose behind its inception is sometimes overlooked-stuck behind the joy of having an extra day off or getting in on a great holiday sale. But it's not too hard to find some way to recognize the occasion. Some cities throw parades and other events, and businesses across the nation offer discounts. Here are some book recommendations for the whole family to enjoy together in recognition of our veterans.

One of the best books about Hawaii's military history is Hawaii Homefront: Life in the Islands During WWII (BessPress) by MacKinnon Simpson. Filled with pictures and illustrations never before published, this book is a unique and entertaining look into what life was like in Hawaii during the conflicts of the Second World War. The captions and text are informative but the stunning photographs make this book a "must-have" for any history buff. This is the kind of book that you read with someone sitting next to you on the couch, a book that easily becomes the center of discussion. I particularly like looking at the photos and comparing them to places now. Like the old pictures of the Army and Navy Y, which used to be the old Royal Hawaiian Hotel and is now home to the Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSam). You can see some sample pages and details from the book here.

Another exceptional book to check out is Boyhood to War (Mutual Publishing)-- Dorothy Matsuo's highly illustrated collection of anecdotes and personal stories of the men in the 442nd. The book was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the 442nd but is a worthwhile read for Veterans Day. Especially for Veterans Day in Hawai'i, as the 442nd is a distinct and particularly proud part of our states military history. With tons of pictures to look at and talk about, this is another book that should be enjoyed in a group. You can check out more details on it here.

The photographs and illustrations in these books, published in full page colors, more than make up for their somewhat heavy price tags. But the special way in which they present and portray history make them priceless ways to spend a little bit of time learning with your friends and family and a great addition to any book collection.

For more reviews on Hawai'i books visit Hawaii Book Blog!