National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a US Department of Veterans Affairs-operated cemetery located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is one of the national cemeteries in the United States. Established in 1949, it serves as a final resting place for American service members and their families.

History and establishment

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific was established in 1949 as a result of World War II and the Korean War, with the purpose of providing a cemetery for American service members who died in combat in the Pacific Theater. The cemetery was built on the site of the Punchbowl Crater, a volcanic crater in Honolulu. The US Department of Veterans Affairs operates the cemetery, which is one of the national cemeteries in the United States.

Location and design

The cemetery is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is situated on the site of the Punchbowl Crater, a volcanic crater that was formed around 75,000 years ago. The cemetery's design is unique, with a colonnade and portico that was designed by architect Alfred Preis. The cemetery also features a memorial to American service members who died in combat in the Pacific Theater.

Interments and memorials

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is the final resting place for over 30,000 American service members and their families. The cemetery also features a memorial to American service members who died in combat in the Pacific Theater, including those who served in World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. The cemetery offers in-ground burials, columbarium niches, and crematory urn burials.

Notable burials and commemorations

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is the final resting place for many notable American service members, including Medal of Honor recipients Pvt. First Class Rodger W. Young], Sergeant First Class Vernon J. McGarity], and Sergeant First Class Leonard A. Schroeder. The cemetery also commemorates American service members who died in combat in the Pacific Theater, including those who served in Battle of Midway, Battle of Guadalcanal, and Battle of Iwo Jima.

Cultural significance and visitation

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is an important cultural and historical site in Hawaii, and is visited by thousands of people each year. The cemetery is open to the public and offers guided tours, including a self-guided tour of the memorial and colonnade. Visitors can also view the memorial to American service members who died in combat in the Pacific Theater, and pay their respects to those who have served. Category:National cemeteries Category:Cemeteries in Hawaii Category:Honolulu