A visiting Okinawan group holds memorial services at the Okinawa Peace Memorial in Marpi on Dec. 4, 2022. Also in photo are some local residents who joined the Okinawans in offering prayers for peace.
Micronesian Repatriation Association of Okinawa chairman Kensei Kamiunten offers incense and prayers at the Okinawa Peace Memorial in Marpi on Dec. 4, 2022
Local residents pose for a photo with visiting Okinawans at the Okinawa Peace Memorial in Marpi on Dec. 4, 2022.
THE members of the Micronesian Repatriation Association of Okinawa were very happy to visit Saipan and Tinian, and to hold memorial services for those who lost their lives in the Marianas during World War II.
“We are glad that we can come back again after the Covid-19 pandemic,” MRA chairman Kensei Kamiunten said through an interpreter.
On Dec. 4, 2022, 23 members of MRA offered fruit, beverages, messages, incense and prayers at the Okinawa Peace Memorial next to the Last Command Post in Marpi
Kamiunten said the memorial service was for the people who passed away during World War II.
“Remembering about them I still feel sad, but we cannot be sad all the time, so I think we should also enjoy when holding the service. If we are happy, they will also be happy,” he said referring to the departed.
“We are happy to come back, to visit, remember, and see local friends,” Kamiunten added.
He said during the war, they were told by Japanese soldiers that the American soldiers were bad. “And we believed them, but once the war ended, we realize that it was not true…and Americans were really good in helping civilians,” he added.
Kamiunten said “before the war Okinawans got along with the local Chamorros and Carolinians. We hope that this good relation will continue.”
Pacific Development Inc. director Gordon I. Marciano noted that some of the visiting MRA members were born and raised on Saipan or Tinian.
Marciano at the same time expressed his appreciation to the local families who continue to welcome the Okinawan group every time they visit the Marianas.
The Okinawans arrived on Dec. 2 and left on Dec. 5.
