Flags flutter over graves of U.S. patriots at Punchbowl

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

The crack of artillery sounded 21 times, and for a few moments yesterday at Punchbowl, as smoke billowed across the crater and sulfur stung the air, the fight for freedom was rejoined.

Vernon Kamiyama of Honolulu, who served in the Korean War with the 5th Regimental Combat Team, was among those saluting the colors during Memorial Day ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

For the 1,500 people attending annual Memorial Day services at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, it was a time to remember those fallen heroes.

William Walton remembers. Now an 82-year-old veteran from Kane'ohe, he was a Marine private during World War II who fought at Okinawa. Medics took five pieces of shrapnel out of him before he was done.

He laid a wreath this morning for those who didn't come home.

"It's one of those things," Walton said. "I lost 86 men in my company. I was one of the fortunate few."

Pat Idica, a visitor from California, remembers. And he brought his sons to see their grandfather's grave with the hope a veteran's memory would never fade. That's what Memorial Day means to him.

"I think a lot of youth today have forgotten the real meaning," he said. "We try to come here every year."

Billy K. Whitfield Jr. of Ka'a'awa remembers, too. How can he not?

"We have five graves with eight people in them here at this memorial," he said, pouring water into a vase at his mother's headstone.

Jaren Tolman of Waikiki did not come to Punchbowl with war memories. But he likely will not forget his first-ever visit to the cemetery, walking through the graves with his 2-year-old son on his shoulders.

"It's kind of humbling and breathtaking," he said. "I don't think that many people know how many people gave their lives for freedom."