America Celebrates Memorial Day Ten Ways

4) Punchbowl Cemetery and Lantern Floating Hawaii Ceremony – Honolulu, HI
Officially known as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, the Punchbowl takes its nickname from the dramatic, craterlike lay of the land, formed by volcanic activity tens of thousands of years ago. Also known as the Hill of Sacrifice for its ancient role as an altar for human offerings to the gods, the location affords incredible views of Oahu from its high points. Now sheltering the graves of military men and women from conflicts throughout the Pacific arena, including the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Punchbowl draws many veterans and visitors who want to honor America's fallen.

Honolulu is also the site of the annual Lantern Floating Hawaii event. Its highlight is the release of some 700 candlelit lanterns into the water. Each one is regarded as a visible prayer for freedom from conflict, for international unity, and for remembrance of loved ones. Drawing on Asian spiritual traditions, the event seeks to bring healing as it diminishes anxiety and past strife.

May 25, 7am-7pm
May Daily 8am-6:30pm
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
2177 Puowaina Drive
http://www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/nmcp.asp

May 25, 6:30pm
Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park
Free; donations requested.
www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com/

5) Chicago Memorial Day Parade – Chicago, IL
In America's heartland, military service and sacrifice are always cause for reflection and pride. Chicago hosts one of the country's largest Memorial Day parades, and city streets are lined with folks showing reverence for those men and women who fought and died for our freedom. The parade begins at the intersection of North State Street and Lake Street and runs south to Van Buren. As part of the day's events, a wreath-laying ceremony will grace Daley Plaza.

May 23, noon
http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/mose/memorial_day_parade.html

6) Memorial Day Celebration! 2009 – A Southern Gospel Festival – Nashville, TN
Nashville enjoys a venerable history in terms of music, and this Memorial Day, visitors can immerse themselves in the legacy for an entire weekend. While country music is a mainstay, the Tennessee city is also privileged to have solid gospel traditions. Discover the genre's heartfelt lyrics, pitch-perfect harmonies, and passionate devotion as you delight in the talents of Legacy Five, Greater Vision, and The Isaacs, among others. You'll also find comedy acts and uplifting speakers included in the mix.

May 22-24
Gaylord Opryland Resort
Two-night packages: $289-374
http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/specials-packages/specials/southern-gospel-festival-celebration/

7) Urban Beach Week – Miami, FL
What began as a streetwise fashion show a decade ago has evolved into one of the country's largest events catering to the African-American and hip-hop communities. Attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees to the Art Deco District each year, Urban Beach Week serves as the unifying concept for concerts, pool parties, athletic competitions, vendors, contests, and plenty of restaurant and nightlife offerings. Stepping out among the crush are well-known faces from the worlds of music, pro sports, modeling, and entertainment, so keep your eyes peeled for celebrity sightings!

May 22-25
South Beach
http://www.blackbeachweek.com/urbanbeachweek1.html