This Memorial Day, an estimated 50,000 people from all over the globe gathered on the shores of Honolulu's Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island to take part in a breathtakingly beautiful memorial event hosted by Shinnyo-en, an international Buddhist community.

This year, family and friends released 7,000 lanterns bearing the names and memories of their lost loved ones into the gentle waters of the bay as the sun set. The ceremony brings people together in solemn, often cathartic remembrance that transcends ethnic, cultural and religious boundaries. At the end of the ceremony, all lanterns are respectfully collected by volunteers for reuse the following year.

Here are a few moments from the 2018 Lantern Floating Hawaii.

Each annual ceremony begins with a series of performances and an introductory program. Here are the Shinnyo Taiko drummers, offering their rhythms as a prayer of peace.

Photo: Tracy Chan

The taiko drums were accompanied by an oli, or Hawaiian chant, by Kawehi Goto.

Photo: Tracy Chan

A crowd of about 50,000 people from all nations gathered on the shores of Honolulu's Magic Island Lagoon.

Photo: Tracy Chan

This year, Hookena were the featured musical performers, dedicating their song with gratitude and aloha to their own loved ones who have passed.

Photo: Tracy Chan

A man prepares his lantern on the shore.

Photo: Tracy Chan

The priests of Shinnyo-en, enter with the main lanterns, which are floated in rememberance of all people.

Photo: Tracy Chan

Her Holiness Shinso Ito, head of Shinnyo-en Buddhism, addresses the crowd.

Photo: Tracy Chan

Many in this section of the crowd have traveled from Japan for the ceremony, and bring their hands together in prayer as Her Holiness speaks.

Photo: Trenton Kakazu

On the beach, people wait to float their lanterns.

Photo: Tracy Chan

Her Holiness and leaders of the local community set the Light of Harmony ablaze.

Photo: Tracy Chan

The ceremony concludes with a powerful and moving hula performance by Halau Ka Noeau, led by kumu hula Michael Pili Pang.

Photo: Tracy Chan

This family came out together to float their lanterns.

Photo: Tracy Chan

"We're floating for friends and family who have passed," said Chris (left). One side of her lantern reads "Although you are with the angels above, know that we will miss you always. Watch over us and keep us safe."

As the sun begins to set, the pure sound of a gong fills the air, the signal for everyone to float their lanterns.

Photo: Tracy Chan

People say farewell and let their lanterns go.

Photo: Tracy Chan

Some messages are long and heartfelt. Others are simple, yet say it all.

Photo: Tracy Chan

A volunteer lifeguard keeps watch over those floating their lanterns.

Photo: Tracy Chan

Some have taped photographs of their loved ones to the lanterns.

Photo: Trenton Kakazu

Emotion is written on every face.

Photo: Tracy Chan

Volunteers gently shepherd the lanterns away from shore.

Photo: Tracy Chan

As the sky darkens, the lanterns slowly drift toward the sea.

Photo: Trenton Kakazu

The lanterns' glow gives the lagoon a peaceful, almost magical ambiance.

Photo: Tracy Chan

Soon, the thousands of floating lanterns are the main source of light.

Photo: Tracy Chan

Messages of remembrance are written in every language.

Photo: Trenton Kakazu

As these floating symbols of hope light up the bay, they remind us that those we love will never be forgotten.

Photo: Trenton Kakazu

Each lantern is made earlier in the spring by Shinnyo practitioners, other volunteers and groups from schools, businesses and organizations. Residents and visitors to Hawaii are welcome to participate in the ceremony. If you cannot be physically present, you may submit your remembrances online to be included.

After every ceremony, all the lanterns are respectfully collected, cleaned and repurposed for the following year. The ceremony is a nonprofit, and lanterns or souvenirs are not available for purchase.

For more information about Shinnyo-en and the lantern floating ceremony, visit lanternfloatinghawaii.com.