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 Memorial
Service for World Trade Center Victims
November 30, 1999
On October 27, 2001, around 150 people braved
gusty winds and inclement weather to gather at Punchbowl National
Memorial Cemetery to pay a tribute to the victims and families of
the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. The ceremony
was timed to coincide with another memorial service taking place
at the former World Trade Center site at 2:00 p.m. EST. Mike Gabbard,
founder and chairman of Stand
Up For America, who organized
the ceremony, said: “At this very moment, on the other side
of the world, the families of the victims are conducting a similar,
though private, memorial service in New York City at Ground Zero,
in the ruins and among the ashes of their loved ones. Gabbard said:
“What we hope to accomplish here today, in conjunction with
the service being held at Ground Zero, is to convey the message:
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.” Referring to Punchbowl cemetery as
“this hallowed ground—Puowaina—this hill of sacrifice,
Gabbard continued: “Just as we remember the bravery and dedication
of our men and women in the military who are defending our country
at this very moment, so will we also remember the innocent un-enlisted
heroes who gave their lives to further not the bankrupt aims of
cold-blooded murderers, but the ideals of this great country of
ours.” Gabbard said: “What better proof of the greatness
of this nation than the fact that in the aftermath of this grievous
crime committed against us, that we have become a better country
and a better people?” The interdenominational memorial service
was represented by local leaders of all the world’s major
religions, such as Pastor Larry Kaliloa of Ka Ohana o ke Aloha Church;
Chaplain Lt. Col. Philip McLemore of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day Saints; Hakim Ouansafi, President of the Muslim Association
& Islamic Center of Hawaii; Dr Robert Littman of the Sof Ma’Arav
Congregation; and Dipu Sengupta, President of LOTUS, an Indian cultural/religious
group, each of whom offered prayers for the victims and messages
of hope for the future. The Punchbowl memorial service also included
stirring musical tributes from popular local entertainers, Leon
Siu, his son, Koa, and Courtney New.
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