I visited the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, more commonly called "Punchbowl". This military cemetery is situated in a hill above the city in a volcano crater. The name of the hill in Hawaiian is called "Puowaina" meaning 'hill of sacrifice' as its original use was to offer human sacrifice to their ancient gods. The name is still fitting as it is the final resting place of more than 34,000 soldiers and sailors who gave their life for our country in WWI, II, Korean, and Vietnam wars.
The memorial is an appropriate place to pay respect to all those who have served our country in service past and present. It is a peaceful, beautiful area where the noise and bustle of the city is replaced by respectful silence.
When locals I meet find out I'm in Hawaii for two months, their very next statement is an assumption that I am here for military reasons. When I told one older lady I am here with a CPA firm she said, "well, you look like you are with the military." I'm not quite sure what that means, but I'll take it as a compliment. I hope to meet up with a friend's brother who is a Marine currently stationed here in Hawaii.
No comments:
Post a Comment