Saturday, August 15, 2009

JAPANESE

The Prime Minister Attends the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead (1)

Prime Minister Taro Aso attended the annual Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead held in the Nippon Budokan in Kitanomaru Park in Chiyoda City, 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 64th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Approximately 6,000 people participated, including Prime Minister Aso, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, representatives of related organizations, and bereaved family members. Participants paid their heartfelt respects to all those people who lost their lives in the last world war.

After the singing of the national anthem, Prime Minister Aso gave his address, saying, "During the last war more than three million people died thinking of their homeland and concerned about the families they loved. They fell on the battlefields, suffered the ravages of war, or lost their lives during the aftermath of the war in remote foreign countries. In addition, Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations," and expressed his feelings of profound remorse and sincere mourning for all the victims of the war on behalf of the people of Japan.

The Prime Minister also stated that, "Here today Japan renews its pledge not to engage in war and vows to contribute actively towards the establishment of eternal world peace."

As the clock struck noon, heartfelt prayers were offered to all of the war dead for the repose of their souls. Following the address of His Majesty The Emperor, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the representative of the bereaved family members of war dead each gave their memorial address. Afterwards, representatives of all the sectors of society led by Prime Minister Aso and the representative of the bereaved family members offered flowers while commemorating the war dead.

Related Link

Photograph of the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead

Photograph of the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead (2)

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead (2)

Photograph of the Prime Minister offering a flower at the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead

Photograph of the Prime Minister offering a flower at the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead

Related photos

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  • Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead (1)
  • Photograph of the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead (2)
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister offering a flower at the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead