Punchbowl Cemetery

On the island of Oahu, we are lucky enough to have the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Punchbowl - in Hawaiian "Puowaina" meaning Hill of Sacrifice.

IN THESE GARDENS ARE RECORDED

THE NAMES OF AMERICANS

WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES

IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY

AND WHOSE EARTHLY RESTING PLACE

IS KNOWN ONLY TO GOD

Leading up to Memorial Day (Decoration Day), people volunteer to make and place lei's on over 53,000 graves.  (sadly as we were leaving they were doing this)

The day Mike, Emma and I went the boy scouts were distributing the flags.

These pictures do no justice.

This place is so amazingly beautiful.

"I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.”

 –Bob Riley