Memorial Day

Today in Hawaii, like the rest of America, it is Memorial Day, a time for Americans to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honour all Americans who have died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labour Day marks its end.

I captured this US soldier preparing to float a lantern at the 15th annual lantern floating event held annually on Memorial Day on Oahu's south shore, you can see his personal lantern just in front of him. Lantern Floating Hawaii brings together over 40,000 people on the beach, joined by thousands around the world via live streaming and telecast for an evening of honoring loved ones and generating collective hope toward the future.

More here on this event