Honolulu Memorial

The Honolulu Memorial is located within the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Memorial sits in what is known locally as the Punchbowl Crater.
It was once a volcano – symbol of earthly violence.
Now it is a quiet place of contemplation.
It honors Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the raging fires of three wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
The Memorial records the names of over 28,000 servicemen and women – missing in action or lost at sea.
Eight courts of the missing stand like solemn sentinels beside the grand stairs.
Within them are large stone tablets.
They display the names of over 18,000 Americans missing or lost at sea in the Pacific during World War II.
Other tablets commemorate the more than 8,000 Americans missing from the Korean War.
At the foot of the staircase, two open courtyards present the names of about 2500 more Americans – missing from the Vietnam War.
Their courage and sacrifice is well-remembered in the words by poet Archibald MacLeish, inscribed on the wall: "We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning."
Above the staircase, a small chapel welcomes meditation and reflection.
To either side, galleries contain striking mosaics that portray operations in each of the three wars.
The Honolulu Memorial was dedicated in 1966 to honor the American armed forces in the Pacific, men and women who served during World War II and the Korean War.
In 1980 the memorial expanded to include the Vietnam War.
Today it reminds us of the continuing scope and scale of American service and sacrifice through the years.