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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:04 p.m., Monday, May 26, 2008

Dignitaries lay wreaths in Memorial Day salute at Punchbowl

Advertiser Staff

Mayor Mufi Hannemann led a delegation of elected officials, military and others who laid a procession of wreaths this morning in honor of the dead at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

"We are here today to remember and to honor every one of them," Hannemann said, "and to express our gratitude and appreciation to those who continue to serve us and put themselves in harm's way in defense of our country."

With tiny flags and lei on every grave, the sweeping lawn of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific offers a patriotic tribute to those who served their country.

The service, hosted by the city, was highlighted by a 21-gun salute and the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Squadron flying a "missing man" formation over the crater.