Peace Memorial Park (Photo courtesy of photoAC)
To mark the end of the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, June 23 is observed as Memorial Day in Okinawa.
The day pays tribute to the more than 200,000 who died in the battle.
In Itoman City, officials will gather for a ceremony at Okinawa Heiwa Kinen Koen, also known as Okinawa Peace Memorial Park.
The ceremony starts on Monday at 11:50 a.m. and traffic restrictions will be implemented in the area. Attendees are expected to use public transportation to access the site.
Memorial Day is an official holiday for Okinawa and at noon, a siren will blare at many locations on the island for one minute. The siren is a moment of silence during which Okinawans pray for peace and those lost in the Battle of Okinawa. If you hear the siren, take a moment to reflect and pay tribute.
Okinawa Zen-Senbotsusha Tsuitoshiki (Memorial Ceremony for victims of the Battle of Okinawa)
Date: June 23
Time: 11:50 a.m. – 1:10 p.m.
Location: Okinawa Peace Memorial Park
GPS Coordinates: 26.095152, 127.723462
