Top �� Speeches and Statements by Chief Cabinet Secretary

Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on the 60th Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead August 14, 2005

Tomorrow, August 15, is the "Day to Commemorate the War Dead and Pray for Peace." The Government of Japan will hold a Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead at Nippon Budokan Hall to commemorate more than three million people who lost their lives in the war, in the presence of Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan and with the attendance of representatives of bereaved family members and representatives from all the sectors of society. This ceremony is held by the Government of Japan, so as to reflect that the peace and prosperity that Japan enjoys today are founded on the ultimate sacrifices of those who lost their lives against their will in the war, thinking about their homeland and worrying about their families. The ceremony is intended for all the people of Japan to deeply offer their heartfelt prayers to the war dead and to renew our pledge to achieve everlasting peace. Tomorrow at noon, in tune with the ceremony, I sincerely hope that each and every Japanese-be they at home, or at work or in other places-will join me in offering a moment of silence to commemorate the war dead.