Today marks the 69th anniversary of the end of World War II and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress as well as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gathered with about 6,000 people at Nippon Budokan hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo to commemorate the event and to remember solemnly the approximately 3.1 million Japanese people who died in the war. His Majesty the Emperor said,
“Thinking about the many people who lost their precious lives and their bereaved family members, I once again feel deep sorrow. With the earnest hope that the tragedy of war will never be repeated, I together with people across the nation express my sincere condolences for those who laid down their lives on the battlefield, as well as others who lost their lives during the war, while praying for world peace and the further development of our nation.”
The Prime Minister spoke of the importance of remembering that the peace and prosperity Japan enjoys today is only possible because of the great sacrifices made by previous generations. It should also be pointed out that as the war becomes more distant and the living links to that era are fewer and fewer it becomes all the more important to remember those who fought with honor and dignity and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Emperor, Japan and the Japanese people.
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