Honolulu remembers loved ones by floating lanterns

Lanterns float from the shore out to the breakers as thousands of people launch their lanterns at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu Monday May 30, 2011. People float candlelit lanterns on the ocean in remembrance of loved ones and to pay tribute to ancestors.

HONOLULU — Thousands of people have floated lanterns into the ocean from a Honolulu beach to remember loved ones and pay tribute to ancestors.

The Japanese Buddhist sect Shinnyo-en organized the annual Memorial Day ceremony. Now in its 13th year, the event drew about 40,000 people to Ala Moana Beach Park on Monday.

Participants wrote the names of those they are honoring and a short message on the lanterns before setting them in the water at sunset.

Lori Chong Kee, of Honolulu, wrote a message for her mother who passed away seven months ago. She says she still thinks of her mother every day.

In Japan, lantern floating ceremonies are generally held in July or August. In Hawaii, Shinnyo-en holds the event on Memorial Day to help it win broader acceptance among the public.