Memorial Day

Photos by Ashley Kirner Photography

In Hawaii they have a lantern ceremony for Memorial Day and there were about 3000 candle-lit lanterns bearing individual and community remembrances and prayerwatch at illuminated the ocean off of Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. The event brings together more than 40,000 Hawaii residents and visitors from around the world and from various cultures and traditions who cast afloat lanterns at sunset in remembrance of loved ones who have passed, or as symbolic prayer for a harmonious and peaceful future. The ceremony will also recognize those who have passed due to various causes afflicting humanity throughout the world. The theme of Lantern Floating Hawaii is "Many Rivers, One Ocean." "Lantern floating is a spiritual tradition that welcomes people from all backgrounds to come together in remembering their loved ones, healing their grief, and praying for a harmonious future," said Roy Ho from Na Lei Aloha Foundation. "We hope that Lantern Floating Hawaii allows people to experience a feeling of warmth, joy, loving kindness, and compassion, whether they participate from shore or view from their homes."