More than 4,000 people gathered at an Okinawa park on Monday. They came to remember the 80th anniversary of Japan's final World War Two battle. The ceremony took place at Peace Memorial Park for memorial day. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Governor Denny Tamaki spoke at the event. Citizens honored loved ones who died during the deadly Battle of Okinawa.
The battle killed more than 240,000 soldiers and civilians from April to June 22, 1945. Officials added 342 new names to the peace monument at Mabuni Hill. The monument contains 242,567 total names of people who died during the fighting. The battle happened on Japan's main southern island. American and Japanese leaders gave speeches about peace during the hot weather.
Okinawans dressed in black and brought flowers to honor dead family members. They lit incense and placed food near the names of relatives. One 89-year-old woman traced her brother's name on the wall. She said war causes terrible pain. Many visitors made promises to share the history with future generations.
Ishiba asked people to think about the horrors of war. He promised to reduce the burden of American military bases on Okinawa. The island still hosts many U.S. military installations since World War Two ended. Local residents complain about noise and pollution from the bases. Governor Tamaki wants Japan and America to find better solutions for military cooperation.
The battle killed more than 240,000 soldiers and civilians from April to June 22, 1945. Officials added 342 new names to the peace monument at Mabuni Hill. The monument contains 242,567 total names of people who died during the fighting. The battle happened on Japan's main southern island. American and Japanese leaders gave speeches about peace during the hot weather.
Okinawans dressed in black and brought flowers to honor dead family members. They lit incense and placed food near the names of relatives. One 89-year-old woman traced her brother's name on the wall. She said war causes terrible pain. Many visitors made promises to share the history with future generations.
Ishiba asked people to think about the horrors of war. He promised to reduce the burden of American military bases on Okinawa. The island still hosts many U.S. military installations since World War Two ended. Local residents complain about noise and pollution from the bases. Governor Tamaki wants Japan and America to find better solutions for military cooperation.
