ITOMAN CITY, Okinawa, Japan --
More than 5,000 Okinawans, as well as service members from both the Japan Self-Defense Force and the U.S. armed forces, took part in a remembrance ceremony at Peace Memorial Park in Itoman June 23.
Erected in 1995, Peace Memorial Park is located at the site of the last recorded fighting during the Battle of Okinawa during World War II in southeastern Okinawa.
“We remember the sacrifices made during the Battle of Okinawa and this is why we, generations living in time after the war, have untiringly pursued eternal peace, and have diligently striven to build an Okinawa where people can lead full and satisfying lives,” said Hirokazu Nakaima, governor of Okinawa Prefecture.
“Today’s ceremony gives us an opportunity to reflect on a crucial part of history and to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general. “It is great to be here and see everyone join together to honor those who died during the Battle of Okinawa.”
The Battle of Okinawa started on Easter and was the bloodiest battle in the Pacific campaign, according to Glueck.
“As a child, I only learned about the U.S. military attacking Okinawa and how we lost so many lives,” said Miki Diebert, operations clerk for USO Okinawa. “After learning the history of World War II, I found out how this battle helped bring an end to the fighting. I also learned how the U.S. military helped the civilians after the war. I hope future ages can learn both sides of the story.”
Throughout the park, pathways are lined with rows of stones bearing the 240,931 names of those killed, civilian and military, during the battle.
Those paying their respects to the fallen placed flowers, origami cranes, food and bottles of water under their loved ones’ names.
“I was born and raised on Okinawa, and I have grandparents who were alive during the battle,” said Diebert. “This is my second time going to the ceremony, and I recently found out I have relatives whose names are on the wall.”
Service members’ names on the wall represent heroic actions performed during the battle, according to Glueck.
“The names of the service members engraved on the walls here provide us with a solemn statement of their selfless courage and indomitable spirit,” said Glueck. “They are the heroes, and we are eternally grateful for their contribution to peace. I am truly thankful that we, the citizens of the United States and Japan, are able to come together here as devoted friends and allies to remember the fallen.”
This friendship shows itself during times of tragedy such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
“As recently demonstrated during Operation Tomodachi, our nations have come together in a very special relationship,” said Glueck. “Once divided, we are now bound together by history, culture and mutual devotion to peace and stability. I extend my sincere appreciation to the brave veterans of the Battle of Okinawa and it is a privilege to share this day of remembrance with everyone here.”