Family and friends usually focus attention on their departed loved ones in local cemeteries throughout the year, but the Memorial Day holiday brings a whole new level of respect and veneration throughout the islands, such as at Laie Cemetery [pictured below]:

Laie Cemetery, May 26, 2008

Perhaps hundreds of people came to Laie Cemetery on Memorial Day 2008, May 26, not only to pay their respect . . . but to also engage in the wide range of customs that are common in island cemeteries. For example:

  • Even though Hawaii Reserves, Inc. (HRI) takes good care of Laie Cemetery, many brought their own cleaning tools to trim the grass and plants surrounding family graves and plots.
  • Some people bring easy-up tents and chairs, remaining all day in the cemetery, talking story about their loved ones.
  • The flowers are refreshed, the headstones wiped, and more…

But most important was the peaceful spirit of aloha that pervaded this beautiful Memorial Day 2008 at all the cemeteries.