A day of remembrance: Okinawa`s Memorial Day
June 23, Memorial Day, has special significance in Okinawa.
The Battle of Okinawa, the only ground engagement of the Pacific War fought on Japanese soil, claimed over 240,000 lives and destroyed buildings on the island along with countless historical documents, artifacts and cultural treasures. About the half of the war victims were local Okinawan residents, among them children.
On June 23, 1945 top Japanese generals Mitsuru Ushijima and Isamu Cho committed suicide in Mabuni, Itoman City, resulting in the end of the war. That day is now observed as Memorial Day in Okinawa.
Every year on June 23 a memorial service for the victims of the Battle of Okinawa is held from 11:50 a.m. at the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, and at noon a silent prayer is said for the victims of the war in the hope of a lasting peace throughout the world. Okinawans also hold their own private memorial services for family members and friends.-
We should remember those lost in the war and pray for peace.
Traditional memorial lantern floating ceremony open to all
