JSDF and U.S. service members prepare for Okinawa Memorial Day

Photo By Sgt. Jacob Foster | Members of the Japan Self-Defense Force flank the walkway to a shrine after participating in a cleanup June 15 at Peace Memorial Park, Okinawa, Japan. The cleanup was done in preparation for Okinawa Memorial day, June 23, where many families come to Peace Memorial Park to honor the fallen soldiers from the Battle of Okinawa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Jacob Foster)  

ITOMAN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.15.2019

Story by Lance Cpl. Nicole Rogge 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Members of the Japan Self-Defense Force and U.S. military joined together to cleanup Peace Memorial Park June 15 on Okinawa, Japan.

The joint cleanup allowed the volunteers to interact with one another while also working to keep a piece of history clean.

“We are out here getting a better understanding and to bridge the community between the United States military and Japan Self-Defense Forces,” said Gunnery Sgt. Mikail Ransom, company first sergeant with Headquarters and Support Company, 3rd Supply Battalion. “And show them we care about what they do out here.”

The cleanup was done in preparation for Okinawa Memorial day, June 23, where many families come to Peace Memorial Park to honor the fallen soldiers from the Battle of Okinawa.

“Many people died during the war, not only Japanese,” said Staff Sgt. Awashima Hiroshi, a vehicle maintainer with Japan Air Self-Defense Force. “To have the U.S. military come here and help clean up is so important.”

Volunteers raked leaves, picked up trash, and wiped down the memorial wall monuments.

“It’s good that I don’t have to force my Marines to come out,” said Ransom. “They see the importance of us being out here and working together.”

• Date Taken: 06.15.2019
• Date Posted: 06.17.2019 03:39
• Story ID: 327690
• Location: ITOMAN, OKINAWA, JP