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One thing we did, was go on a historical tour. This tour takes you to various spots on the island. Many of these spots were involved in WWII.Banzai cliff was where 10,000 Japanese jumped to their deaths in fear of being captured by the U.S. According to the guide, they shouted their mother's name, threw their children into the ocean then jumped.
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Right above this spot is the last outpost of the Japanese army.They let you crawl inside to see the post then walk down to view the many graves of those who jumped to their deaths from 248 meters above. Many jumping backward so as not to see the rocks below.
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From the north end of the Island, we headed back to Garapan where there is the American Memorial Park. This national park shows the battles in Saipan and gives tribute to the people of Saipan, showing their recovery after the war.
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We also went to Sugar Cane King Park. Haruji Matsue was responsible for starting the sugar industry and building a railroad in Saipan. Though the sugar industry and rail in Saipan are no longer existent, the idle engine for the sugar cane train still is..JPG)
There are many reminders around the Island that wars are evil and everyone hopes for peace, hopefully that will come true for the whole world one day.
Aloha Kat, Ive heard the stories about these tragic incidents in saipan but seeing it through your eyes makes it even more "real"...how horrible war is and I too pray for a time that there is no more wars and world peace..
ReplyDeleteIt must of been very haunting to walk the same steps as did these people.
How sad about the familes that jumped to their deaths. As a mom, I always wondered how parents could go through with this, but I suppose if the alternative is worse, you do whatever you think is necessary.
ReplyDeleteLet us hope that another world war will not erupt again. Having lost someone to hatred or through differences should not be permitted.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that with us, Kat.
Thanks Shar, Jenster & Phoebe, I guess in war you will have to do anything to "survive" or to stand by what you believe in.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat
Wow, I'm saddened to know that parents were faced with that choice of having to end not only their life, but that of their children. That must have been extremely painful.
ReplyDeleteI was really bad in paying attention in my history class but have really come to enjoy knowing more about the world I live in...I kick my high school self now for not paying attention.
Thank you for sharing your photos and experience.
I uttered cool when I saw the pictures then I felt bad after reading your post. That was tragic.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddha looks so beautiful and peaceful!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful and touching post... thank you so much for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteHi Kat - As always thanks so much for sharing your journeys. I always learn so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kirkk, Jesse, Beadexplorer, Julie and the Rambler. I think the more we talk and share these stories and experiences, the more we will know and hopefully learn from them.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat