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Prime Minister Attends the Memorial Service for the War Dead Tuesday, August 15, 2006 JAPANESE The annual Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead was held in the Nippon Budokan in Kitanomaru Park in Tokyo, in the presence of Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan. The ceremony marks the Day to Commemorate the War Dead and Pray for Peace, as well as the 61st anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Approximately 6,200 people participated, including the Prime Minister of Japan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, representatives of related organizations, and bereaved family members. Participants offered their heartfelt sympathy to all those people who lost their lives in the last world war. After singing the national anthem, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi who attended this memorial service for the sixth time as the Prime Minister of Japan delivered an address in which he expressed his determination by saying, "Here today, based on its remorse over the war, Japan vows to uphold its pledge not to engage in war and to dedicate itself to the construction of Japan as a peaceful nation, while resolving to actively contribute toward the establishment of lasting world peace as a member of the international community. As a country that attaches the utmost importance to peace, Japan will do all it can to gain further trust from the world." As the clock struck noon, heartfelt prayers were offered to more than 3 million war dead for the repose of their souls. Following the address of His Majesty The Emperor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the representatives of the bereaved family members of war dead each gave their memorial address. After the addresses, representatives of all the sectors of society led by Prime Minister Koizumi and representatives of the bereaved family members offered flowers while commemorating the war dead. Related Link: Address by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the 61st Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead View Video (Available only in Japanese) Real(Narrowband) / Real(Broadband) Windows Media(Narrowband) / Windows Media(Broadband)