Solemn Sunsets: Bagpipes at the Natatorium

A new tradition has begun.

Bagpiper Kim Greeley patrolled the main gate of the Natatorium Friday at sunset, playing Coming Home and Amazing Grace before sounding Taps. She played in memory of more than 10,000 World War I veterans from Hawaii; it was in their honor that the Natatorium was conceived, built and opened in 1927 for the enjoyment of all Hawaii residents and visitors.

The Friends of the Natatorium intend to repeat this remembrance ceremony most Friday evenings as the sun goes down. Kim and her pipes, or sometimes a bugler, will perform the somber, sorrowful and soulful traditional end-of-day bugle call that is Taps. We’d love for you to join us whenever you’re in the area.

Kim is a professional piper from Honolulu who dedicates her talent and skill to help the rest of us remember the sacrifices of those who served in uniform. She proudly wears a kilt made in 1943 and given to her by her bagpipe teacher, now deceased, who was himself a veteran of both World War I and World War II.

Mahalo, Kim! You play beautifully and do great honor to the memory of our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and women, and coast guards.

We all can help

Not all of us have Kim’s musical talent, but we all can help to preserve the Natatorium to honor Hawaii’s veterans and provide safe ocean recreation for generations of keiki to come.

We thank you for all you have done this year, including the deluge of comments you submitted for consideration during the city’s environmental impact study. We’ll call on you again next year, when a draft EIS is expected to be released.

In the meantime, you may want to consider a yearend gift to the effort to save our Natatorium. The Friends of the Natatorium would be honored by your support. See our contributions page for information on where to send your gift, or support us through Paypal with the “Donate” link on the right side of this page.

Mahalo to all our friends and supporters.