World War II death march survivors to be invited to Japan

"Sixty-four years after Japan surrendered to end World War II, Japanese media reported last week that for the first time, U.S. GIs held as prisoners of war are to be invited to the country for a commemorative ceremony next year.

The country plans to invite survivors of the horrid Bataan death march of 1942, when captured U.S. and Filipino troops were forced to march to a prison camp. Estimates show that about 10,000 to 20,000 troops were killed en route. Japanese soldiers routinely murdered prisoners who fell or lagged behind.

There are few survivors still alive today; many would be in their late 80s.

In May, Ichiro Fujisaki, Japan's ambassador to the United States attended a ceremony in San Antonio honoring Bataan survivors. It was the first time a Japanese official had made a direct apology to former U.S. captives, Japanese media said

"We extend a heartfelt apology for our country having caused tremendous damage and suffering to many people, including prisoners of war," Fujisaki said.

Survivors who accept Japan's invitation next year are to be asked to participate in memorial ceremonies and events involving Japanese youths.

Not all Japanese agree, though. Some Japanese victims of the war say the U.S. government has not yet apologized to survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and bombings of Japan."

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World War II death march survivors to be invited to Japan | Detroit Free Press | Freep.com