Beachwalks 770 – Memorial Day in the Pacific, Revisited

May 27, 2012 | Tags: , , , , , , , , |

This Memorial Day rerun is one of our favorites. It has a timeless message and Shane’s shooting and editing is evocative and powerful.

We originally filmed this episode for Memorial Day in 2006. But it clearly stands out as a timeless message, and represents the true essence of Beach Walks – even though it was not filmed on a beach! It was completely unscripted, no shot list, we just showed up and worked as fast as we could before the sun set. Sometimes, you know the universe is on your side. Today’s show was filmed at the Hawaii Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 50,000 leis were donated, and over 100 young Scouts placed a lei and a flag on each gravestone. I was quite stirred to be in the presence of death while smelling the sweet scent of plumeria lei. Though most of those buried here are from modern wars, this “punchbowl” of an ancient volcano was the site of Hawaiian aliʻi burials and human sacrifice of those who violated the kapu or taboos. May all who died suffering, rest in peace today.

If this military topic resonates with you, may I suggest our 7-episode series filmed on the USS Nimitz, where Rox, a former anti-Vietnam war protester, spends the night with 4500 US Navy sailors and air force fighter pilots.

Hawaiian words:
Puowaina: hill of sacrifice
Kaua: war
Kapu: taboo
Maluhia: peace

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Beach Walk 763R – Memorial Day in the Pacific

May 28, 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

We originally filmed this episode for Memorial Day in 2006. But it clearly stands out as a timeless message, and represents the true essence of Beach Walks – even though it was not filmed on a beach! It was completely unscripted, no shot list, we just showed up and worked as fast as we could before the sun set. Sometimes, you know the universe is on your side. Today’s show was filmed at the Hawaii Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 50,000 leis were donated, and over 100 young Boy Scouts placed a lei and a flag on each gravestone. I was quite stirred to be in the presence of death while smelling the sweet scent of plumeria lei. Though most of those buried here are from modern wars, this “punchbowl” of an ancient volcano was the site of Hawaiian aliʻi burials and human sacrifice of those who violated the kapu or taboos.

Be in Touch!

Read More