Visitors

On October 13th , Beth and I had our second group of visitors as my "in-Laws" arrived for two weeks of fun. Some people may think that living with your wive's parents, sister, and nieces would be tough for two weeks, but since they read this, I will have to say it was no problem. Luckily, we were prepared for cramped quarters, as we moved into a larger house the month prior to their arrival.

Beth and I were excited to show them the island, but we weren't the only excited member of the family...




















We began our tour at the The Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters. This consisted of a series of tunnels and underground rooms where the navy had been headquartered during WWII. The Japanese Imperial Army literally dug themselves in during the War. Caves were used as gun turrets, hospitals, hideouts and headquarters. The Navy Headquarters illustrate the war, which for Japanese forces was mostly fought under ground than above it. Towards the end of the war it is reported that 4000 soldiers committed suicide in the tunnels.

http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/Public%20Affairs%20Info/Archive%20News%20Pages/2006/060901-cave.html

Next stop, Peace Prayer Memorial Park.

The park, built on the last battle site on Okinawa, is built in remembrance of the dead of WWII. Every Japanese prefecture has its monument commemorating their dead, but most impressive is the Cornerstone of Peace, rows of zigzag black stones with the names of all those fallen, whatever their nationality or religion. At the time of the opening ceremony on June 23 1995, a total of 234,183 names had been engraved but this number continues to grow.

The entire group at the "suicide cliffs."



















Another tour site we visited was Shuri Castle. Shuri Castle was the home of the King in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. During World War II, Shurijo Castle was burned to the ground in the fierce Battle for Okinawa. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1992.