I often wondered, while stationed in Hawaii, why Brig Thadeus Day was so popular there. The Thadeus was a sailing ship (two-masted, square-rigged) that transported the first Christian missionaries to the islands. Seven of the families of missionaries ultimately prospered commercially and ended up owning most of the real estate and businesses in the territory, then state. Although the native Hawaiians complained bitterly about having their islands stolen from them, they still celebrated Brig Thadeus Day. Although it seems contradictory, I reconciled myself to it inasmuch as everyone, especially Hawaiians, love a holiday.