Memorial Day 2015: National Cemetery of the Pacific, Hawaii USA

This is one of two computerized grave site locators in the visitors center. It was relatively easy to use. All I did was enter the name 'Clarence Keith.' Almost instantly I was given the section of grave site number from the database. I also printed out a map that marked the section of the cemetery where Clarence Brodie Keith is buried. 

Clarence Brodie Keith's grave marker is in Section O, Site #335. See the upper right corner of the marker? All of the  gravestones are engraved with this, making it easier to search the section. My search for his stone was quick and easy. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Keith of Chapel Lane in the Riverside neighborhood of Greenwich, Connecticut. He was 19 years old when he was killed in action. 

My mission on this Memorial Day was complete, and it was time to bid farewell. I took one last look at the sea of American flags that marked each grave. So many stories are associated with each grave. So many sacrifices...

As I was leaving for the day I ran into these Boy Scouts. They were marching into the National Cemetery with flags and motorcycle escort. It was especially hot that day. I admired their patriotism and their willingness to offer their respects to those who had sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms. 

I occasionally hear some complain that today's young people are ignorant of and far-removed from a respect for those who paid the highest price in times of war. I hope that seeing these images will cause them to change their perceptions. 

You can see in their faces the determination to honor tradition on this hot, humid day. None of these young people or their adult leaders uttered one word of complaint as their trekked on foot into the cemetery grounds. 

There are no adequate words to truly describe the experience I believe everyone should have while visiting this hallow ground. My walks among the gravestones of those who perished for our freedom and our nation's future was both inspiring and humbling.

Clarence Brodie Keith was so young and far from the only home he knew when his life was taken. That holds true for so many who rest forever here.