Over Labor Day Weekend, Councilmember Augie Tulba presented the 2026 Boot Memorial Hero & Remembrance Run, Walk or Roll and its founder, Theresa Johnson, with an honorary certificate from the Honolulu City Council in recognition of their commitment to honoring Fallen Service Members and supporting Gold Star Families.
The story behind the memorial began with one young man, PFC Timothy Vimoto.
Before Timothy became a soldier, he was a military child and the oldest of five children. He was also a close friend of Theresa Johnson’s family.
While fathers in their neighborhood were deployed, Timothy stepped into the role of a big brother for Theresa’s three sons. He mentored them, played football with them and showed them through his actions what it meant to be a good person.
After graduating from high school, Timothy followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the military.
On June 5, 2007, Timothy was killed while serving at his first duty station.
His death left a lasting impact on Theresa’s family, especially her children. Years later, Theresa’s oldest son honored Timothy’s memory by naming his first child after him.
Every name carries a story. Every story deserves to be remembered. Photo: Augie Tulba
Timothy’s legacy also inspired two of his sisters to continue their family’s tradition of military service.
For Theresa, remembering Timothy became a calling. She refused to let his life become just another statistic. She wanted people to know his name. She wanted them to see his face. Most of all, she wanted people to remember the young man behind the uniform.
That personal mission grew into something much larger.
Theresa set out to honor every Fallen Service Member and to remind Gold Star Families that their loved ones would never be forgotten.
Today, more than 8,000 memorial boots stand in their honor.
Each boot represents a life. Each name represents a story. Behind every story is a family that continues to love, grieve and remember.
The memorial gives those families a place where their loved ones are seen and honored. It also gives future generations an opportunity to understand the price of service and the meaning of sacrifice.
Honoring those who served, remembering those we lost and standing with the families who carry their legacy forward.
“Timothy’s story reminds us that one life can touch generations,” Councilmember Augie Tulba said.
“Through Theresa’s dedication, his memory has become a lasting tribute to thousands of Heroes who gave everything for our country. We have a responsibility to remember their names, honor their families and never take their sacrifice for granted.”
Timothy’s purpose did not end with his death. His legacy continues through Theresa, through her children, through his family and through the thousands of people who now know his story.
His life continues to inspire kindness, courage, service and gratitude.
“The 2026 Boot Memorial Hero & Remembrance Run, Walk or Roll carries that legacy forward. It reminds the community that remembrance is more than looking back. It is an act of gratitude. It is a promise to carry their stories forward,” Councilmember Tulba said during his remarks at the event. “Their service mattered. Their lives mattered. Their sacrifice matters. And they will never be forgotten.”
Remembrance keeps their stories alive for generations to come. Photo: Augie Tulba
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