The National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific
Pu'owaina Crater (Punchbowl) was formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. Pu'owaina is defined as "The Hill of Sacrifice" and relates to the history of the crater when it was used as an altar for human sacrifice.
Early in the 1880's the slopes of the crater were opened for settlement on "leasehold" land. This area is commonly known as Punchbowl and Makiki neighborhoods. Papakolea is on the northern side extending into the valley. In the 1890's they wanted to turn it into a cemetary for the growing population of Honolulu residents but it was rejected. Why? They didn't want a city of dead overlooking the city of the living.
Fifty years later Congress approved that a portion be donated for the National Cemetary to be approved by the War Department. Currently, there are over 33,000 veterans buried at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific and on Veterans Day it is a site to behold with flags flying high from ground to sky.
Much Mahalo to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for all you have and will sacrifice for our country.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
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Wow, Sally, that's quite a place....and your slideshow is spectacular. The pictures are amazing, I felt almost as if I were there in person.
Sally... some more interesting history of Hawaii and to include the military. Thanks for sharing this, it sounds like an interesting place. Carole mentioned pictures, but nothing shows up for me.. thanks
Carole: Thanks...it was a peaceful day...didn't get there on Veterans Day ....but it was just as spectacular :)
Jeff: Thanks Jeff. Go here>>>
http://www.slide.com/r/JJaDyAnl2z-EyiyTowFZ4htFxJUNzOyG?cy=un
This gave me goosebumps... thanks for the nice posting... great song too!
Hi Sally:
I see you got the slide show thing going...very cool!
Thanks for the memories Sally. You're a great chronicler of our military history. We all need to remember.
Morning Sally,
Thanks for sharing these photo's. Great slide show. The presentation brought back the feelings I experienced when I first visited. Most moving!
Hi Sally - Bear and I spent some time at the Punchbowl when we were there years ago. There can never be enough honor for our military -past, present and future - in my opinion. We should all make it a point to remember what sacrifices were made for us to be where we are today.
Thank you for this reminder.
Ann
Sally - fasciniating history, I had no idea such a place existed. It reminds me of the National Cemetery in Washington, DC.
Jeff
Sally ~ That is a beautiful place.....what kind of trees are those with the intricate roots? They are spectacular!
Ann: It was so peaceful. I don't go there for awhile and when I do..it has to be a nice sunny day. The views are spectacular!
Jeff: this will be the next place you go....you went in Diamond Head and now you can drive right in this one. Just a short hike to the lookout.
Ann: It IS beautiful isn't it? For the first time I actually read some of the plaques.
Hal: You're welcome...did you visit the inside of this crater?
Thanks Lenn....I appreciate them for their service, sacrifice etc. My dad is at the Veterans Cemetary in Kent, WA. They are all beautiful just for the significance.
Toula: Did you enjoy the show inside the crater?
Thanks Patty!
What a great slide show! It is always nice when someone acknowledges our military. I think too many people forget that there are families with loved ones over there for such long periods of time, that deal with danger every second. Thanks to our military for all of their time and sacrifices.
Sally, I had the honor of visiting the Punch Bowl when I visited Hawaii a few years ago. What a beautiful, moving place it is. Great tribute.
Debra: That was fun...I know what it's like...my dad, my kids dad and my son.
Bob: It is so beautiful bob...so peaceful and serene. Thanks!
Sally every once in a while the government does something right, building this was one of those times.
Sally - thank you for sharing!
Aloha Sally,
This is one of the most amazing places for me in HI. I've been there many times. The trees trimmed like crowning wreaths each side of the steps as you go up to the monument were spectacular. Then at the top the mosaics depicting the battles were amazing.
A beautiful tribute. My dad served in WWII and I always remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
My favorite place in the cemetery is the wall with the battle maps inlaid in it.