A joint memorial service was held to commemorate the war dead on Iwo Jima, a fiercely fought site where nearly 30,000 people from both Japan and the United States died in the final stages of the Pacific War 79 years ago.Bereaved families held a moment of silence and prayed. I offered it.
Fierce battles took place between the Japanese and American forces on Iwo Jima in the Ogasawara Islands from February to March 1945, resulting in approximately 21,900 Japanese and 6,800 American deaths.
Approximately 170 people attended this year's joint memorial service between Japan and the United States, including the families of the war dead and government officials.
Tetsuro Teramoto, chairman of the Iwo Jima Association, which is made up of Japanese bereaved families, said, ``In recent years, generations have changed, and the memory of the fierce battle is gradually fading away. We have a responsibility and obligation to pass this story on to future generations so that it doesn't happen again."
"The dedicated and brave soldiers of both countries will never be forgotten," said David Bice, president of the American survivors' organization. It is a solid foundation of friendship." This was followed by a floral offering, followed by a moment of silence and a prayer.
After the ceremony, those in attendance visited the underground cave and Mt. Suribachi, where the fierce battle took place, and joined hands.