Just a short update while still in Hawaii visiting family. Had a small birthday celebration for my mom's 94th birthday yesterday. She's doing well for her age, and her mind is still sharp. Visited Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific today. My dad is buried there since he was in the Army during WW2, but was still in basic training at Fort Dix when the war ended so never deployed overseas.
The original Hawaii Five O TV series included a zoomed in shot of this during the opening credits.
My wife and I go up to leave flowers on his grave whenever we're in town. My mom used to visit him every week until she got too old to do so.
This is one of mosaics up at the top of the cemetery where the small chapel is located. This one is of the Battle of Iwo Jima. In the center is the Motoyama Plateau - no relation to my family as far as I know. Actually, Moto means base, and Yama means mountain in Japanese, so likely just a generic name.
My wife, who's Korean, in front of the Korean War map.
I may visit the Fort DeRussey Atmy Museum in Waikiki too. It's only a few away from my mom's house. Until next time, wishing you all the best.
Have a great family time !
ReplyDeleteBest regards
Thank you very much, Michal! Kindest regards, Dean
DeleteBeautiful area, so full of memories for you.
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks for the kind words, Joe! Warmest regards, Dean
DeleteNice to visit you mum Dean, important in our later years as the days count down.
ReplyDeleteI have not visited the memorial and cemetery, maybe next time when I visit Hawaii.
Thanks Matt. Yes, definitely good to stay connected, and not having regrets when it's too late. If you ever visit the cemetery, there's also a lookout area with a great view of Honolulu. Warmest regards, Dean
DeleteGlad you had a good celebration for your mum Dean and thanks for the very nice images of the impressive war memorial. I have not made it to Hawaii yet, but you never know, I might make it one day although I have heard it's pretty expensive for just about everything, due to the need to import almost everything?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice words as always, Keith. As for cost of living, home prices are the hardest on folks. Food, and even gas prices are pretty comparable to the mainland. In fact, gas was cheaper than back in Washington State. Not sure of hotel prices, but off-season (non major US holidays) would be the best time to visit. Than again, I've always stayed at my mom's, in the same room I grew up in, and use my brother's vehicle when here. Weather is probably similar to NZ. Kindest regards, Dean
DeleteGood to see you back home and celebrating your mom’s birthday.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I visit Honolulu, I climb Diamond Head and visit Fort DeBussy Museum. Rarely is there anyone else in the museum when I visit. Gosh, it is a dark place.
Thanks, Jonathan. Yes, the museum is never crowded. Possibly because most folks rather stay on the beach right next to it. Loll Warm regards, Dean
DeleteDude that’s some great history photos! Happy birthday to your mom, and enjoy the rest of your vacation.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Kevin
Thanks a lot, Kevin. Yes, those mosaic battle maps are really well done and quite colorful. Warmest regards, Dean
DeleteVery interesting! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Glenn. Happy to be able to share them. Kindest regards, Dean
DeleteSome lovely history and family time 👍
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Matt! Warmest regards, Dean
DeleteLooks like some great places to visit, glad you had a good time !
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you very much, Iain. Kindest regards, Dean
DeleteLovely place Dean and to hear your mother is doing well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Christopher. Yes, getting old isn't fun, but if you're in Hawaii, it's the best place for it. Warmest regards, Dean
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