May 25, 2010 - HONOLULU (NNS) -- Sailors from Hawaii-area commands took part in a cleaning and beautification project at the Navy veterans cemetery in Oahu Cemetery Honolulu May 21.
The beautification project was hosted by the Surface Navy Association (SNA) and led by Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) Wayne Babauta, assigned to USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60). Babauta coordinated 40 volunteers for the project, which was designed in preparation for Memorial Day.
"Basically the reason we are out here today is to pay tribute to those who have gone before us," said Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Joshua Pearsall, a representative from SNA. "Obviously in the spirit of the Sailor's Creed, they really took care of their country, and they did what they needed to do."
The earliest grave markers are dated in the 1800s and the earliest interments were in 2002. There are more than 170 grave sites dedicated to Navy veterans, of which 135 are now being used.
"We are helping out the community, helping out the veterans who died here and paying our respects by cleaning the site," said Babauta. "We are giving back to the community by showing our appreciation that we do care for our fallen veterans."
During the clean-up project, volunteers cleaned several headstones and performed minor gardening. Sailors scrubbed the headstones, later rinsing them with water.
The cemetery is located on an 80 by 40 yard piece of property the Navy purchased in 1935.
With more than 90 members at the Pearl Harbor chapter, SNA's purpose is to recognize and publicize professional excellence in Surface Naval Forces. SNA also promotes recognitions of the role of the Surface Forces in Unites States Security and the Navy.
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