After the restoration of the memorial monument on Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture, which tells the tragedy of the so-called "war malaria", a memorial service was held on the 15th, the day the war ended, to commemorate the deceased.
This cenotaph on the beach of Haemida on Iriomote Island commemorates 84 people who were forced to evacuate from Hateruma Island to Iriomote Island by order of the former Japanese army during the Battle of Okinawa, and died of malaria without returning to their hometowns. Built in mourning.
Next to the cenotaph, there is still a ``forgetful stone'' on which representatives of the evacuated residents carved letters to remember the deaths of the people.
The cenotaph was damaged by the typhoon, but the bereaved families and related parties have recently completed the restoration work, and on the 15th, the day the war ended, a memorial service was held for the first time in three years.
At the memorial service, after more than 50 people offered a moment of silence, the representative offered flowers and mourned the deceased.
A sixth-grade elementary school girl who participated said, "There are still wars going on in some parts of the world, so I hope that everyone will understand that peace is not the norm, and that peace will continue." was
Another 81-year-old man said, "I feel that the recent social conditions are creating rules that affirm war. I want to work with children to create a future without war."