Saturday, 23 June 2001
Prime Minister Koizumi gives an address at the Memorial Ceremony
to Commemorate the Fallen on the 56th Anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa
Prime Minister Koizumi being interviewed by the media after the conclusion of the ceremony
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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi traveled to Okinawa, where he visited the graves of the people who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa, at the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, Itoman City and offered flowers. After visiting the Cornerstone of Peace and the Peace Memorial Museum in the park, the Prime Minister attended the 2001 Memorial Ceremony to Commemorate the Fallen on the 56th Anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa. After the official ceremonies, responding to questions and interviews with the media, Prime Minister Koizumi described his feelings thus, "I have recognized afresh that the issues facing Okinawa are ones that face the whole country." The Prime Minister also stated that, "My special feelings towards Okinawa date back to the lifetime of Professor Kei Wakaizumi, who played a great role in the reversion of Okinawa. Before he passed away, I had the chance to learn from him on a number of occasions, and the Professor himself also had special feelings for Okinawa. It is with such thoughts that I look to continue conducting my politics." |