Sunday, November 11, 2012

Veterans Day 2012



This is a special Veterans Day post. I am in Hawai'i today to attend the dedication of America's newest Vietnam Memorial.

Located at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (The Punchbowl) in Honolulu, the new memorial is an addition to the beautiful site that commemorates and honors those lost in World War II and Korea. This original site consists of a number of huge, beautiful mosaics that tell in pictures and text the story of the war in the Pacific and Korea. These were designed by Mary Jacobs and Mary, who will be 90 next month, designed the new additions about 'Nam, as well! She was unable to attend other dedications but is here for this one! It is an honor for me to be able to be here with her.

The Punchbowl's name in Hawaiian is Puowaina which translate as "Hill of Sacrifice" although an ancient name it is indeed fitting for this sacred spot.

You probably know that Veterans Day began as Armistice Day following World War I. Later it was changed to Veterans Day to reflect the sacrifices of all who have served. This distinguishes it from Memorial Day which honors those who made the final sacrifice.

More about this new memorial when I post about Hawai'i sometime in the near future.

In the meantime, you may know that I did a radio show in St. Louis! If you would care to check it out, you can find it here;  http://kdhx.org/ondemand/podcasts/vetnet/us-vietnam-memorials

Join me on the 12th for the next regularly scheduled site in O'Fallon, Missouri!

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