On this eleventh day of the eleventh month our nation paused to honor our veterans.
An annual commemoration is held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and this year’s even had extra meaning with a high ranking official on hand.
Cannons celebrated the arrival of the special guest.
High ranking dignitaries said Aloha to Australian Prime Minster Julia Gillard.
She spoke to the crowd of veterans and others of the bond between our two countries, cemented during World War II when her country feared invasion.
"So many of these buried here were amongst those who came to our aid. They fought with us together, side by side, step by bloody step," Gillard said.
Veterans, their families, and those who simply care laid wreaths at Punchbowl to honor those brave souls who gave so much to our country.
Admiral Robert Willard spoke of Lady Liberty, who signifies the grieving mothers of America who lost sons to war.
"The inscription below the statue from Abraham Lincoln reads, "The solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom," he said.
The playing of taps honored the fallen.
A missing man formation overhead remembered those who lost their lives in battle.
"You’ve lost a lot of friends who were there, and when this comes up you think, it brings back memories," said Korean War veteran Kalani Simerson.
"It’s an emotional uplifting opportunity, and it makes me feel that life is worth living because we served our veterans," said Gene Casatgnetti of the National Memorial Cemetery.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
