The Memorial Ceremony to Commemorate the Fallen on the 57th Anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa was held at Peace Memorial Park in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. There were approximately 7,700 attendants in the ceremony, including Governor Keiichi Inamine of Okinawa Prefecture, Chairman Kokichi Iramina of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, Chairman Kazunori Zakimi of the Okinawa Prefecture Bereaved Family Federation and others representing the prefecture, as well as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, the President of the House of Councillors and relevant Cabinet Ministers.
At the ceremony, people paid a silent tribute beginning at noon, and offered flowers afterward. Following a peace declaration by Governor Inamine, Prime Minister Koizumi stated in address, "Together with ensuring that the history of the Battle of Okinawa continues to be related to generations to come, we bear the responsibility that we protect peace and never repeat such a tragic war in the future."
After the ceremony, responding in an interview regarding the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station, the Prime Minister stated, "We are making steady progress. I would like to gain the understanding of all the local people as much as possible in addressing this issue."
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