Friday my husband and I spent the morning together getting some drivers license stuff taken care of for him (which has an entirely different and hilarious story with it!), had a small going away get together for Kris' friend and I got to see my favorite local Hawaiian singer live! (Not to mention there was a HUGE brawl in front of me and my friend Sarah while waiting to get into the show!)
Saturday my husband finished his tattoo, which resulted in a girls day with my daughter. We went thrift store shopping and then saw The Pirates 3D together. Then Sarah's husband's birthday party! What a blast!
Now for the featured presentation, SUNDAY! As always, we go to church and had a wonderful service. Kris was had duty so another girls day! Alright by me. :)
We head to the National Cemetery of the Pacific, or as it's also called "Punchbowl Cemetery". It got this nickname because of the punchbowl shaped volcanic crater. Apparently it was formed 75,000-100,000 years ago! I learned that this crater was known as Puowaina, which means "Hill of Sacrifice". Very fitting indeed. over 33,000 service men & women are buried here at the National Memorial Cemetery. These service members are from four wars.
When you are driving up the hill from the Pali Hwy, it looks like a run down neighborhood. If it weren't for the many signs pointing me in the right direction, I would have thought I was getting lost! The further up, the fewer homes. Then it begins to get pretty. And once reaching the final leg to the gates, it's just beautiful! The views. OH MY!
You get through the white columns and gate only to see the long "corridor" of grass which features this massive memorial at the very end.
I was there at the PERFECT time. No tour buses, just a few scattered cars throughout the cemetery.
Now, I have to explain something. There are eight white "rooms" that line the stairs on each side. On these marble walls are names. Just from floor to top. Names. Heroes. Lives. I didn't realize it from the bottom. But as you get closer, you begin to see the engravings.
Side note: Elizabeth was just in love with them. We have been to the USS Arizona memorial a couple times now and I've had to explain what the names meant to her. In simple terms. While at the USS Arizona, she actually walked up to the names, place kisses on many of them. When we arrived here, she asked me if these people were the same as the ones "under the water". It's a blessing to see her remember things like that.
In these "rooms" (for lack of a better term) there is a single tree. Which people have places leis on them. Just a simple thanks. A simple reminder.
Once at the top, you're greeted by the towering statue. Just beautiful!
I was pleasantly surprised to see there was an inside to the memorial. I was under the impression that it was a giant wall. But inside the memorial is a simple, but perfect church area. with several pews. If you remember, I mentioned that it began to sprinkle the closer we got to the top. Once I got inside and sat down, it began to pour! Now, this isn't uncommon in Hawaii, for it to randomly do a hurricane style rain for a couple minutes than stop. But it did add to the feel.
Overall, the experience was just a beautifully peaceful and humbling one. I have been to many memorials, including DC's memorials. But you can never "get used to it". Each time, I'm reminded of why I'm so grateful and blessed. I don't know each of the names, nor will I ever remember the names. But I wont ever forget the sacrifices made.
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