Father Damien watches over the Eternal Flame
Last week’s Friday Foto showed the Eternal Flame across Beretania Street from the Hawaii State Capitol. That shot was taken closer to the Eternal Flame, but right in front of the capitol is a statue of Father Damien. Just like last week’s photo, this one shows another juxtaposition. This time, it isn’t past and current times in contrast, but a memorial of a man of peace watching over the flame commemorating men and women who died in battle.
Father Damien travelled to Moloka’i in 1873 to help comfort those who suffered from leprosy. He soon decided to stay on Moloka’i. He spent the next eleven years helping the members of the leper colony, but in December 1884, he noticed blisters on his feet. After sixteen years on Moloka’i, Father Damien died peacefully in his sleep.
If you’d like to learn more about the statue of Father Damien, visit the Architect of the Capitol website. Want to see more photos from our trip? Here’s a link where you can check out all the entries in our travel journal.
