Preparations underway ahead of annual Memorial Day ceremony

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi held a press conference Monday about the upcoming annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony.

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This year marks the 75th anniversary of the event, which honors fallen U.S. service members at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

“This being the 75th mayors memorial day, it’s a privilege of extending that legacy and trying to pay the utmost respect to what these holy grounds stand for,” Blangiardi said. “It’s something we take personally and very much to the heart.“

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Organizers are still asking for help to make and gather 38,000 lei, one for every service member laid to rest at Puowaina.

This Friday, the city is hosting “sew a lei for Memorial Day” events at Honolulu Hale, Kapolei Hale, and a dozen other locations.

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Lei can also be dropped off at all city and federal fire stations.

On Saturday and Sunday, lei will be accepted at Punchbowl Cemetery.

Click here for more information about lei making and donations.