Never Forget

In my former life as a reporter I attended many Memorial Day parades, Veterans Day speeches and Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremonies. I have had heard World War II veterans tell their battle stories from their perspective.

Today I saw the battle from a different perspective.

Today (June 23) is the Battle of Okinawa Memorial Day, a holiday in Japan. Sixty-five years ago, the Battle of Okinawa came to an end after 82 days of fighting. Okinawa was the closest that U.S. troops ever got to mainland Japan. The first place that U.S. forces invaded this island (after bombing it so badly that the landscape of the island was significantly altered and not one building remained), was at the beach near our house. Literally feet from our front door. Kadena Air Base (where Benny works) was the first U.S. base established.

The Battle of Okinawa was one of the bloodiest fights in the Pacific. More than 200,000 people (Japanese soldiers, American Marines, sailors, and soldiers, British troops, Korea soldiers, and Okinawans) were killed during this battle. Every single name is engraved on walls (similar to the Vietnam Wall) at the Okinawa Peace Prayer Park.

Benny, Olivia, and I first went to Peace Prayer Park and Memorial Museum on Memorial Day. The day was rainy so we didn't spend too much time outside under the umbrella visiting the grounds.


Today I attended the Okinawa Memorial Service at the Cornerstone of Peace with the USO. First, World War II veterans and a current Marine general laid wreaths at the American section of the park during a short ceremony.


Then we attended the Okinawa service at Peace Hill. The Prime Minister and governor of Okinawa gave speeches.

There was a peace poem read by a school girl and a declaration of peace by the governor, which was translated into English in the program.

On this day, which marks the anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa, we offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the souls of all those who lost their lives during the war and who continue to watch over us. Bringing together the wisdom and aspiration of the people of Okinawa, we hereby pledge to devote our utmost efforts to the realization of all mankind's common wish: everlasting world peace.

After the American wreaths were laid, I took a moment to walk around the park. I watched as women (mostly likely in their 80s or older) laid flowers in the Japanese section of the park. They used a handkerchief to wipe their eyes. Their loss. Their pain. It needed no translation.

Today was a day to remember those who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa.

Today was a day to say an extra prayer for world peace.