Okinawa Peace Memorial Park Under The Supermoon (Photos)

June 23rd is Memorial Day in Okinawa, Japan

 

Mabuni Hill, in Itoman is the site, dedicated to the memory of all those lost during the war.

Last night, we went there late, to see the illumination.

Fortunately, the full moon was available to photograph, too.

Because Itoman is far south of where I live, I had no idea where the moon would rise.

Pillars of Peace Lights were turned on over a monument.

They represent the searchlights used during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

The Supermoon looked huge as it rose above the treetops.

The place was solemnly quiet.

Visitors came to a pond, where they could float a lighted candle for peace.

Many of them knelt and made prayers.

Here is one candle, singled-out, to show the reflection on the water.

Making a long exposure for the moon, the candles leave a light trail.

A gentle summer breeze kept them in motion.

Moving away from the pond gave a view of the illumination and the moon.

Is there a special Memorial Day like this, where you live ?

Memorial Day Tribute: Ernie Pyle the Writer

Memorial Day brings back memories of beach parties, barbeques, parades, ceremonies, speeches, wreath-laying and flag-waving for our veterans and those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

          A recent visit to Ie Shima Island in Okinawa, Japan reminded me of Ernie Pyle the writer.


There's probably not much I can add to what has already been written about a man who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize as a war correspondent.  I'd say he was a people-person and he could connect with and write about them in a style that has never been duplicated, anywhere, since.

Ernie Pyle followed the foot soldiers, during World War II, all over Europe and Africa. He wrote about the grunts (guys in the trenches) and their daily lives.  Hundreds of newspapers printed his articles and he could have thrown away his typewriter and lived in style after the European Campaign.

But, Ernie went on to cover the Pacific Campaign of the war, too. And he died during the battle of Okinawa.

Memorial Day was designated a National Holiday for remembering those members of the armed forces who died serving their country.  I remember.  I want everyone to remember Ernie Pyle along with them. 

It wasn't just the 77th Infantry Division that lost a buddy 18 April 1945.  Everybody lost a buddy that day.

REFERENCES:

ERNIE PYLE

AMERICA AT WAR


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