Located across from the street from the Hawaii State Capitol Building in downtown Honolulu, the Eternal Flame War Memorial was created to honor one of the most important historic events in the history of the United States. By honoring such an important piece of history in such a notable manner, the Eternal Flame War Memorial showcases what it can mean for a monument to create unique experiences for both residents and visitors.
A Remembrance of the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The December 7th, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II and proved to be one of the most formative events in the history of the state and nation. The Eternal Flame War Memorial was created in 1944 as a memorial to the men and women of the state of Hawaii who were part of the event as well as all of those in the armed forces of the United States.
The site originally featured a central monument but a bronze-copper sculpture by Bumpei Akaji was dedicated in 1972. The central gas flame in the piece has been burning since it was erected. While this Eternal Flame is the most notable aspect of the monument, it also features areas for sitting, walking and taking in the scenery, providing audiences with numerous ways to contemplate the history that it celebrates.
By cultivating such distinct experiences, the Eternal Flame War Memorial showcases what it can mean to notably celebrate a piece of history in a space that would otherwise be empty or unremarkable, enabling connections to the past for audiences in the present and beyond.
Engaging with the Legacy of Hawaii
Created just three years after the historic event it was designed to commemorate, the Eternal Flame War Memorial provides residents and visitors with a space to engage with the legacy of Hawaii. That audiences can have such distinct experiences in and around it showcases how landmarks can provide audiences with experiences as distinct as they are powerful.
