A memorial service was held on the 11th at Iwo Jima, which became a fierce battlefield at the end of the Pacific War, to commemorate the war dead in both Japan and the United States.
On Iwo Jima in the Ogasawara Islands, a fierce battle was fought between the Japanese and American troops in 1945 at the end of the Pacific War, killing about 21,900 people on the Japanese side and about 6,800 people on the American side. rice field.
A joint memorial service between Japan and the United States to commemorate the war dead is held in March every year, but due to the influence of the new corona, the holding is temporarily postponed, and the number of attendees such as bereaved families and government officials is significantly smaller than usual. , It was done only for about 40 people.
At the memorial service, Tetsuro Teramoto, chairman of the Iwo Jima Association, which is made up of bereaved families on the Japanese side, said, "Peace and prosperity are the precious sacrifices of brave warriors who love their homeland, their homeland, and their families, and the tireless efforts of both the Japanese and American people. We must remember what was built on it. "
In addition, Deputy Minister Karin Lang of the US Embassy in Japan said, "Japan and the United States have abandoned hatred and accepted reconciliation, and a friendship and cooperation that will serve as a model for the world have been built. We will continue to be victims of the war dead. I hope you remember. "
After that, a flower offering was held, and all the attendees silently prayed to the victims.