Punchbowl ceremony to honor fallen

The city’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. May 25 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Speakers will be Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson, commander, Pacific Air Forces, and retired Circuit Judge Thomas K. Kaulu­ku­­kui Jr.

The Royal Hawaiian Band and the Sounds of Aloha Chorus Choir will perform along with Katrina Ma­nongdo, an employee of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Oahu veterans groups will place wreaths at the dedicatory stone, and tributes will be paid to those laid to rest at Punchbowl, also known as Puowaina.

On Sunday, prior to the ceremony, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will place 38,000 lei on the grave markers of the men and women interred at the cemetery.

Donated lei can be dropped off Friday at designated city parks, all Oahu fire stations and certain city offices.

All lei must be made of fresh flowers or ti leaves and must measure 20 to 24 inches before tying (lei must be tied).

Lei can be dropped off at collection sites from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at:

» Ala Wai Community Park.

» Kailua District Park.

» Kaneohe District Park.

» Makiki District Park.

» Makua Ali‘i Center.

» Waialua District Park.

» Waianae District Park.

» Waiau District Park.

» Waimanalo District Park.

» Waipahu District Park.

Lei can also be dropped off at all city fire stations on Oahu from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; at the Kapo­lei Hale security desk from 8 a.m. o noon; and at the permits office at the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building (first floor) from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Memorial Day ceremony is free and open to the public; however, parking at the cemetery is limited.

Bus service will be available, with pickup at the Ala­pai Transit Center from 7 to 8 a.m. Regular fares for adults and youth will prevail. Monthly adult and youth passes will be accepted, and senior and disabled cards will be honored.

Parking at the Fasi Municipal Building lot will be free.