Shinnyo Lantern Floating to be Livestreamed

PC: Lantern Floating Hawaii.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i 2020 will not be floating lanterns on the ocean but instead observed as an hour-long broadcast on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST).

The alternate observance will be streamed online, on the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi Facebook page and Instagram account. Although no activity will take place at Ala Moana Beach Park this year, the public is still welcomed to submit their remembrances, prayers, and commitments to positive action here.

“Even though we are not gathering on the beach and floating lanterns this year, the alternate observance we’ve created to honor the tradition of this event will be reflective of our current situation,” said Craig Yamamoto, Hawaii Temple Manager of Shinnyo-en.

“The wellbeing and safety of our community remains the priority and our hope is that the televised broadcast will still be impactful to viewers watching.”

There will not be a gathering to commemorate this Memorial Day event this year but viewers who tune in to the televised broadcast should expect a program that includes personal stories of sacrifice, overcoming struggle, awakening, and sharing one’s shinnyo for the benefit of all. A ceremonial blessing by Her Holiness Shinso Ito, along with words of encouragement, will be a feature of the program. The focus of the televised broadcast is to honor fallen military and loved ones and to allow people an experience that will awaken them to their best selves. The hope is that viewers will hear people’s stories and awaken to the goodness within themselves and know that they too can be courageous and do things, big or small, to help others.

For more information on the event, call (808) 942-1848, ext. 2.