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SALT LAKE CITY -- Tradition calls for large gatherings that last all day at cemeteries where Polynesians are laid to rest. For them, it's all about family -- alive and deceased -- especially on Memorial Day.
Driza Leha's family looks forward to Memorial Day every year. "It's a happy thing, definitely a happy thing," she said. "It's just like almost a reunion."
Family member Melanie Kula-Tuavao said, "I'm here to mingle with friends and family."
Sometimes it's the only time of year the family can gather together. Both old and young come to remember those who have passed on.
"I like to share it with my children, how important it is to remember those who have passed," Melanie said.
She has about 10 deceased family members at Redwood Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery at 6500 S. Redwood Road, and dozens of living relatives who gather there.
"We sit down and talk about how we used to do things back in the day," she explained. "Back in the island of Tonga, they do this every day, to decorate plots and put memorable things on the plot."
Most of the Tongan families who have loved ones at the cemetery are related or know each other, and most wouldn't miss a Memorial Day gathering.
Sam Katoa sells plots at Redwood Memorial. He says the cemetery is very multi-cultural and has one of the highest numbers of Polynesians laid to rest in Utah. "Tonga, Samoa, every island in Polynesia is represented here," Katoa said.
In their culture, remembering family is important. "Being here together with the ones who have passed on just gives good feelings that they're all together, even though their spirits have moved on," Katoa explained.
Even though Melanie's mother passed away two decades ago, she's always part of the family.
"I do believe her spirit is here with me," Melanie said.
Many of Melanie's family members came from out of town to be at the graves Monday. She says they try to visit the graves every major holiday.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
