December 7, 2016 Punchbowl

Again, Andy and I had an early morning.

As we were getting ready to leave, we had the television on and were watching

the ceremony at Pearl Harbor.

The ceremonies were by invitation only.

The survivors were invited, there were all sorts of Service dignitaries

and special guests.

We found out that there were a certain number of tickets for patrons to visit the park that day, and once they were taken, no more were issued.   They could watch the ceremonies on the outer rim. As I said before, parking is at a minimal in that area.

Persons were being shuttled in from various areas.

I believe there are only 5 remaining survivors of the Arizona.  Not all were in attendance. What a beautiful ceremony.

I had figured that we would not have any chances in being able to attend any of the ceremonies at the park. My reason to be there on the 7th was to visit the Punchbowl Crater.  

The Arlington of the Pacific.

Both of my parents are entombed there and I wanted to honor them.

I think I have said before that my Father had served in the Pacific during the war.

I did not know if there would be any ceremony at the cemetery or not.

On our way to the cemetery we passed these trucks.
Because of the warmth in Hawaii they have to keep the trees refrigerated.
As we passed by there was a tent in front with only a couple of trees out on display.
Sure did not look our tree lots back home. Interesting.

As you are heading up to the Punchbowl. this is the view.
That is Diamond Head in the background.

Here we are entering the cemetery.
The flag is always flown at half staff if there are to be any burial ceremonies.
Once all of the ceremonies are done, it will go to full staff.
There was a lot of work being done, grounds being readied.  There were services that day, as there was a tent
at the base of the starts leading up to the monument.
What a view.  Even the work being done on the grounds is done quietly.
There is just a feeling of respect at all times. The tone is hushed.
Every speaks in whispers.

This is the marker for my Dad and Mother.
I had not seen it since it was completed.
There are the two wooden boxes that my Dad had made, that holds their ashes
behind the marble face plate.

We added the Lei in their honor.

As you can see, this is how the ashes are entombed.
They call this the Columbarium.
It is a series of courts on the rim of the crater on the right-hand side
of the entrance to the cemetery.
There is an area in front that you can add the flowers.
The workers will take care of the flowers. They will be removed
once they are not longer fresh and nice.The graves all all looked after.
There are groupings like this on this one side of the cemetery.
Andy and I spent some time here.  I miss them both so much.
So many good memories.

The overlook is beautiful.  This is not far from their grave.

This the Honolulu Memorial.
 In 1955 The American Battle Monument Commission decided to build the memorial on the rim of the crater, overlooking the grave sites.
The female figure is Columbia, standing on the symbolized prow of a ship, holding a laurel branch.
It is said that Columbia is invoked in poetry and art as a symbol of the United States.
Here, she may also stand for the mothers who have lost their children to war.
The laurel symbolizes peace: the ship is said to be the U.S. Navy carrier.
Engraved at the foot of the statue are these words, originally written by
President Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Bixby, a mother whose five sons had died in the Civil War.
" The solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly
a sacrifice up the altar of freedom."

This is looking from the top of the monument out over the cemetery.

Behind the monument is the Galleries  that hold maps depicting battles in the Pacific Theater of
Operation during World War II.

There is also a chapel behind the memorial.

I think this says it all.

I am so glad I could be here on this day.'
December 7, 2016
Thank you for your service.

Mary