Missionaries in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission were praised for their assistance during the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Some 100 missionaries and several other Church members helped the National Park Service by greeting visitors, and helping with ushering and parking services during the Dec. 4-7 observance at Pearl Harbor. Ceremonies included a visit by President George Bush and Barbara Bush.The missionaries' participation was authorized by mission Pres. Waldo C. Perkins as part of a community service involvement program. About 24 missionaries per day offered their services from about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Please see Church News, Nov. 30, 1991.)

"We've really been delighted with the LDS missionaries who've come here to volunteer their services," said Donald E. Magee, superintendent of the USS Arizona Memorial. "Their performance, their appearance and their attitude were outstanding. We didn't really have to ask them to do anything; they looked for responsibility. They were out in our hot December sun taking [water and softT drinks to visitors. If they saw a piece of trash, they'd pick it up immediately.

"I can't say anything but nice things about them. They were really exceptionally hard-working and dedicated young men and women. I've been very impressed and received many positive comments about them."

Bill Pierce, operations section chief at USS Arizona Memorial Visitors Center, said the missionaries represented the "best of what I've seen in the entire United States."

Pierce, the National Park Service's superintendent of Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, was on temporary assignment at Pearl Harbor. He said the missionaries looked "just as sharp" as the military volunteers, and they did "a superb job as greeters and making sure the Pearl Harbor survivors were well taken care of."

Dale Antonich, chief ranger from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, assigned as law enforcement specialist at the visitors center, explained, "The missionaries assigned to my operation seating guests did an exceptional job. Their clean-cut appearance, the professional way they handled the public and their general attitude were noticed by the staff and other volunteers here. You just don't find many young people their age who will do the things they are doing."

Doing community service also brought satisfaction to the missionaries. Sister Michelle Dushku of Sacramento, Calif., and Sister Mischelle Hicks, of Kenai, Alaska, described an experience they shared during the commemoration.

"At lunch all tables with the missionaries were full so we sat across from an Army man in his 20s," related Sister Dushku. "He asked what we were doing at Pearl Harbor and wondered what we did as missionaries. He was amazed that someone our age would want to stay away from the beach, with no dating, no parties or social life, and spend 100 percent of our time dedicated to religion.

"He asked, `Do you actually enjoy this?' I asked him, `Do I look miserable?' He replied, `No, that's the whole point. You look too darn happy.'

"We talked for 30 minutes and he was very impressed. We're not sure he'll ever join the Church, but if he comes in contact with the Church again, after he's married and ready for a change in his life, he'll remember the event and joy we told him the gospel brought into our lives and want the same for himself and his family."