Regardless of the occasion, I expect dissemblance, and venom from the usual suspects, but it cuts me to the quick to see apple-pie venues like the Sunday comics, especially sweet-natured ones like Opus misused to politicize our war dead.
But perhaps the most subversive, saddening, and disrespectful Memorial Day spectacles is one that is fast becoming a tradition here in Hawaii. I'm talking about the annual 'Lantern Floating Ceremony' which is billed by its promoters as follows...
"On this upcoming Memorial Day, May 28th, the 9th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony will be held along the shores of Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park on the island of Oahu. We invite the general public, as well as non-profit organizations, cultural groups, high schools and colleges to participate in this solemn and enriching event. The public may also make consolatory prayer requests from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Magic Island on the same day.
The Lantern floating is a time-honored Buddhist rite originating in Japan and conducted in order to pay respects to our ancestors and comfort the spirits of the deceased. During this Toro-Nagashi, or "lantern offerings on the water," candle-lit lanterns are individually set afloat on the ocean and are said to ferry spirits "from the shore of delusion to the shore of salvation."
These lanterns carry our heartfelt prayers for victims of wars, water-related accidents, natural disasters, famine and disease, as well as for our loved ones and ancestors. It is through this that the sincere prayers of everyone are united… prayers for a future in which harmony exists among all people regardless of differences between race, religion and culture". (emphasis added)
"Time honored" the Toro-Nagashi may be, but the rite is not normally honored at this time. The Toro-Nagashi is traditionally performed at the end of Obon season which falls in July and August depending on what calendar you keep.
We in Hawaii observe Obon more or less on the traditional dates. I say more or less because Bon Dances are performed on successive weekends at various temples due to a shortage of traditionally skilled musicians.
Why is the Toro-Nagishi, a rite to "pay respects" to victims of wars, water-related accidents, natural disasters, famine and disease (in other words plain old dead people), not being held when its supposed to be, instead of on a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service?
I urge anyone who might read this with the same question, to ask it here.
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