先生's reflections on our tours

Yesterday we went to the Okinawan Peace Memorial Park. Just one day after the Battle of Okinawa Memorial Day, it was a particularly meaningful day to visit. The Battle of Okinawa is not very well known among Americans but it was an event that forever shaped the Okinawan way of life.

Until the late 1800’s, Okinawa was its own country. At that time they were forced to become part of Japan. Through the years of build-up to World War II, Okinawan’s were treated as less than by their own countrymen. Especially during the war, those who were caught speaking in the Okinawan dialect were treated as spies. Also, as it became increasingly clear that Okinawa would serve as the gateway for an American assault on Japan, the Japanese army forced many Okinawan people to work for the war effort.

When the American army landed, part of the island was taken without much of a fight, however, the southern part of the island fought for well over 3 months. During that time, many Okinawan civilians lost their lives. In fact, nearly the same number of civilians died as did soldiers. There were many reasons for these deaths; some the fault of the Japanese Army and some the fault of the American Army. One statistic that shocked us was that for every man, woman and child on the island, there were over 50 rounds of explosives directed at the island.

While the ugliness of war is something that we can only experience second hand, the museum we toured did a good job of conveying some of the feelings that those caught in the cross-fire might have felt. One thing that seemed to strike many of the students is that instead of wanting revenge or retribution, the Okinawans have strongly sided themselves with peace. The entire Peace Memorial Park is a tribute to all people who died in the battle – Okinawan, Japanese, American, British, Korean, everybody. Also, the park is dedicated to the desire that some day we can live in a world without war.

In the photos that I will put on Shutterfly, you will see us at the memorial park and in the Peace Prayer Hall. The hall has a giant lacquer Buddha that is designed to represent all religions. Below the Buddha is a room that stores sacred rocks from hundreds of countries. This is the foundation upon which the hall is build. Also, if you look up into the tunnel that is above the Buddha, you can see stars representing the prayers of all who go there going strait to the heavens. It really is quite a sight!

I hope you enjoy the pictures and the little bit of history!