71st Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony Returning To P owaina

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71st Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony Returning To P owaina
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71st Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony returning to Pūowaina

Ceremony begins Monday, May 30, 2022, 8:30 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

O‘AHU -- In honor of those who made the final full measure of devotion while serving in the Armed Forces for the United States of America, the City and County of Honolulu and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are honored to present the 71st Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Pūowaina/Punchbowl).

The ceremony is free and open to the public, beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 30. The event features several ceremonial presentations and tributes, including: speeches, color guard, presentation of wreaths, firearm salute, aircraft flyover, playing of taps, and performances from the Royal Hawaiian Band and Sounds of Aloha Chorus.

For those unable to attend this in-person ceremony, local network television providers (KITV, KHON, and Hawai‘i News Now) will carry the event live on their streaming platforms. Wearing of facial coverings at this outdoor ceremony is voluntary, though strongly encouraged, as thousands are expected to attend.

For those attending the ceremony, parking within Pūowaina for this ceremony will be extremely limited. Additional public parking is available at two nearby schools: Abraham Lincoln Elementary and Robert Louis Stevenson Middle. Courtesy shuttle service to Pūowaina from these schools is available. Handi-Van reserved rides and licensed/marked taxi cabs will be allowed to drive into the cemetery for drop-offs.

Public parking is also available at the Frank Fasi Municipal Building Lot, with special TheBus route 123 service from the nearby Alapa‘i Transit Center up to Pūowaina. The first bus from Alapa‘i Transit Center will depart 7 a.m. with three additional trips to Pūowaina leaving every 20 minutes. The final bus will depart at 8 a.m. Return trips from Pūowaina to Alapa‘i will begin promptly at the end of the ceremony. Parking is free, but regular bus fares apply.

Sun protection (sunscreen, hats, UV protective clothing) and water are recommended for all visitors as covered seating is limited for the ceremony. Umbrellas are allowed within Pūowaina, but please do not bring chairs unless medically required. Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles are strictly prohibited within and around Pūowaina. Reserved seating will be offered to veterans and invited guests. Remaining seats will be offered to the public on a first come, first served basis.

Those who plan to visit and pay their respects to gravesites within the cemetery are encouraged to visit the Saturday or Sunday before Memorial Day or after 12 noon on Monday to avoid traffic congestion from the ceremony.

SEW A LEI FOR MEMORIAL DAY

For over 70 years the City and County of Honolulu has honored a solemn promise, to adorn every grave at Pūowaina with a fresh lei for Memorial Day. This uniquely Hawaiian display of gratitude is our way of saying mahalo to our veterans for their service. Now we need your help to commemorate their sacrifice by helping us make and gather 38,000 lei for every servicemember laid to rest at the cemetery. You are invited to donate lei (made of fresh flowers/ti leaf, measuring 20-22 inches untied, please tie), lei flowers (preferably plumeria), Anthurium bouquets, or attend one of the lei-making opportunities listed below.

Lei Sewing (may also drop off pre-made lei and flowers at these sites)

LOCATION

TIME

Kāneʻohe Senior Center (Adults Only)

Thursday, May 26, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Kailua District Park