JAPAN MARKS 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF BATTLE OF OKINAWA沖縄戦から80年「慰霊の日」

People in Japan are marking 80 years since the end of the Battle of Okinawa, a campaign of fierce ground fighting during the closing stages of World War II. Residents of the islands have been paying tribute to those who lost their lives. A ceremony was held at the Peace Memorial Park in the city of Itoman, the site of the final fighting. Hundreds of people observed a moment of silence. Okinawa Governor Tamaki Denny spoke of the importance of passing on the lessons learned.

(Tamaki Denny / Okinawa Governor) “Here lie the roots of the people of Okinawa and our enduring desire for peace.”

The Battle of Okinawa claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people, including roughly one in four of the prefecture's residents at the time.

◆paying tribute to ～に敬意を表する、～を追悼する 

◆ observed a moment of silence 黙とうをささげる

◆ enduring いつまでも続く、永続的な