Monday, August 14, 2006

幸せ 終戦記念日

For those who cannot read Japanese, Rhode Island celebrates Victory over Japan Day today, the second Monday of August. While the real 61st anniversary of what in Japan is called "memorial day for the end of the war" is tomorrow, Rhode Island remains the last state in the union to commemorate the end of the second world war.

The famous kiss pictured above has Rhode Island ties too, as the Naval War College has identified the sailor in the picture as none other than Newport's own George Mendonça. I do hope everyone takes time during the day to remember just how momentous an occasion our victory over the imperial Japanese war machine truly was, and at what terrible cost it was won.

1 comment:

wrki said...

Mr. Williams,

I appreciate the sentiment you offer us to commemorate one of our most terrible events that involved a host of continents.

Amazing that such a moment of tenderness can be found captured. And I appreciate that the kiss commemorates the event versus remains.

I only say this because Terry Gross interviewed some of the World Trade Center tower dig workers today and, man, I listened in horror.

Thank you for reminding us to be human.