#ThisDiva's memorable Memorial Day

Don't let the palm trees and sunshine fool you! The state motto maybe "Hang Loose", but there is still a whole lot of hustle and bustle here in Hawai'i. Now that I've become more settled in work, have made more new friends and establishing more of a life here - there's just a lot a girl's gotta do!

I've spent the last few weeks over-extending myself both professionally and socially so it was nice to have a three day weekend and to celebrate and remember our soldiers over this Memorial Day. In Honolulu, there's a particularly special  tradition of decorating and releasing lighted floating lanterns into the open water. 

These lanterns represent not only those lost in service, but a way to remember and honor any loved one who is no longer with us. The entire Lantern Floating Hawai'i festival is so thoughtful and moving  - and I encourage everyone to experience this at least once.

Tens of thousands of people find themselves on Magic Island with lanterns in hand. Some decorated with pictures of those remembered while others are covered with loving words or adorned with leis...to each his/her own.

But it's the love and gratitude that we have for those that have gone on that bring people together on this day and share in each other's stories and memories. 

So on this day, I thank all of those who fight and who have fought - especially to those who have fought and given their lives for the freedoms of this country - "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

A hui hou.