Over 40,000 people gathered at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu last night to honor Memorial Day Veterans and pay their respect to the dead. Rich Hawaiian history and culture was woven into the ceremony with traditional hula, chants, and songs. Buddhist Priestess, Her Holiness Shinso Ito, officiated the ceremony stating, "All of us here today are connected through the light of the lanterns and are joined in our ability to promote harmony in ourselves and in others."
Lighting candles in the lanterns are symbolic of our remembrance of our ancestors and our desire to share our appreciation towards them.