Aloha!
Today, we as Americans pay our respects to the men and women of the Armed Services who served their country with honor and courage to defend and protect our privilege to live in freedom.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those veterans that have passed on, each one leaving behind a legacy of commitment to their country and spirit of bravery that lives on today.
On Sunday, I made the trip from Pearl City to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The cemetery was sparkling with rows and rows of American flags flapping proudly in the wind along with fresh leis that decorating each veteran grave site.
I walked along the rows, reading the headstones. Each one had a story to tell. Some had long life spans, and some were cut short as a result of paying the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Here in Hawaii, we recognize generations of veterans from all branches of the military that have served their country and state with pride and exceptional bravery. Their names are amongst the headstones at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Veteran grave sites pictured with American flags and fresh flower leis on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl in Honolulu. Hawaii.
Through the years, military and local community organizations have partnered to honor our veterans on Memorial Day. Hawaii Boys Scouts and Cub Scouts volunteer their time during the Memorial Day weekend to decorate thousands of grave sites at our veteran cemeteries with American flags and fresh leis.
Community organizations like the Waiau Seniors from Pearl City, together with the Leeward Oahu District Senior Clubs strung about 1,400 leis on Friday plus an additional 350 earlier in the week for a total of 1,750 leis that came from the Leeward District.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Entrance pictured to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl in Honolulu. Hawaii.
I would like to wish you and your loved one's a safe Memorial Day as we remember our veterans who live in spirit.
Let us also pray for the safety of our service men and women around the world who are currently serving on the frontline to protect us as Americans, from the threat of terrorism.
Sincerely,
Barry A. Villamil
Web Editor / Community Liaison
MyPearlCity.com