57 years old, former corporate runner. Thoughts on the day the war ended.

Today is August 15th, the day the war ended.

When I was in elementary and junior high school, August 6th and 9th were school days, and we would observe a moment of silence.
It seems that schools today do not have such school days.
Well, back then, summer vacation lasted until August 31st.

We have been learning about the war since we were young.

And when I became a teacher,
I learned from senior teachers that
one of the major roles of a teacher
is to teach that "war is wrong."

I don't always talk to the children about peace, but from the idea that "violence is wrong,"
to peace education during school trips,
I convey it whenever there is an opportunity.

There is nothing more unreasonable than war.

Regarding the Battle of Okinawa as well,
I also learned about it in order to teach the children during pre-trip study for school excursions.
The more I learn,
the more complex emotions arise.

And, while learning about Okinawa,
and visiting many times,

I fell in love with Okinawa.

It is a place I love dearly.

The blue sea.
The warm climate.

This spring, I visited Okinawa alone.

And I also went to Cape Hedo.

There, in a place overlooking the beautiful sea,
stood the "Monument to the Struggle for Reversion to the Motherland."

On that monument,
along with the history of Okinawa,
a strong desire to reject war and wish for peace was engraved.

Standing before that monument,

War is wrong.
Violence is wrong.

I want to continue to
firmly convey this to the children.

That is what I thought.

Today is August 15th.

I would like to make this a day to think
about peace,
and about our future.