Memorials: Honoring Those Who Served
Three Aspects of Memorials By Virgina Murison, AIA Memorial Day in the United States began during the American Civil War when flowers were placed on the graves of those who died in battle. By the end of the 19th century, May 30th memorial observances for those who fell in the Civil War were held throughout the nation. After World War I, on May 30th, those who died in all U.S. wars were honored. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been a national holiday, commemorated on the last Monday in May. In Hawai‘i, we remember events and honor people in diverse ways and a wide variety of physical structures. In honor of Memorial Day, we share examples of three physical memorials that represent memory and reflection, action, and symbolism. Memory and Reflection - The Honolulu Memorial Memorials can tell a story and provide a place for quiet reflection. An example is the Honolulu Memorial located within the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl on O‘ahu. Dedicated in 1966, Honolulu Memorial honors Americans engaged in three Pacific wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. At the top of the staircase in the Court of Honor is a statue of Lady Columbia (also known as Lady Liberty or Justice) as well as a chapel for quiet reflection. Flanking the chapel are galleries that depict events of the wars. Descending both sides of the grand staircase, ten Courts of the Missing record the names of over 28,000 service men and women missing in action or lost at sea. The Honolulu Memorial is a place of learning, a place to honor the sacrifices of fellow citizens and a place for quiet reflection. [...]