Beach Walk 642R – Memorial Day in the Pacific

We originally filmed this episode for Memorial Day in 2006. But it clearly stands out as a timeless message, and represents the true magic of Beach Walks. It is all 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.

This is one of our favorite and most powerful episodes, though you won’t be finding us at the beach. Today’s show was filmed at the Hawaii Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 50,000 leis were donated, and over 100 young Boy Scouts (thanks for the correction Mark) 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 aliÊ»i burials and human sacrifice of those who violated the kapu or taboos.

Dedicated to my dad and my friend Eric, who’s done two tours in Iraq.

Hawaiian word:
Pūowaina: hill of sacrifice
Kaua: war
Kapu: taboo
Maluhia: peace

Be in Touch!

Beach Walk 97 – Memorial Day in the Pacific

Today is Memorial Day in the U.S. to honor soldiers who died in war.

Visit our Help page for more info.

h3. About Today’s Show

Shane edited an amazing show today for us. It is dedicated to my Dad in honor of his tremendous suffering in World War II, and with special thanks to my friend Eric, who has taught me more about life than he can imagine.

Today’s show was filmed at the Hawaii Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 50,000 leis were donated, and over 100 young -Girl- Boy Scouts (thanks for the correction Mark) 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 aliÊ»i burials and human sacrifice of those who violated the kapu or taboos.

I wonder if there is a trend taking place regarding war. World War II still has the aura of being a “good cause” war. Yet it was as devastating and terrifying as any war. My dad fought in Europe, and only recently has he been able or willing to discuss even the smallest details about it.

Now there is Iraq v2, and I am quite amazed at how many soldiers and generals are publicly challenging.

The times, they are a changin’. People like me who prefer to make love not war, welcome you!

Maybe future wars could be fought in Second Life. There would be less blood shed without sacrificing the thrill so many have for conflict.

Show music today is “Amazing Grace” by David Spak

Hawaiian words
Pūowaina: _hill of sacrifice_
Kaua: war
Kapu: taboo
Maluhia: peace
Aliʻi: royalty

Be in Touch!