Story and Photo by Keith T. Graff
Of all the Battle of Okinawa sites that U.S. servicemen and servicewomen stationed here might want to see, I strongly recommend the Himeyuri Monument in Itoman. It is a sacred site dedicated to the memory of 194 school girls who died during the battle.
Their ages ranged from 15 to 19. They had all passed rigorous examinations in order to gain admission into prestigious schools. Many of them hoped to become teachers upon graduation. They were commissioned into service to work as nurses in March 1945. Many went to work in field hospitals. Often they left the safety of the shelters to fetch water and supplies. The working conditions were at best horrendous.
The vast majority of the girls died after the Star Lily Corps was unexplainably dissolved in June 1945. They were told they were on their own and ordered to evade capture at all costs even if it meant taking their own lives.
The Himeyuri Monument was built on April 7, 1946. A museum was built in 1989 to further commemorate the tragedy and dedicated to the girls’ memory. Many artifacts that belonged to the girls as well as pictures of them before the battle are on display.
To get there take Highway 331 south through Itoman, past Cape Kyan and toward Peace Prayer Park. Watch for the signs. The monument is located on the left side. Plenty of parking is on the right. Admission is 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school students and 100 yen for those in junior high and elementary school. The park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year round.
For folks that lack personal transportation, taking in a base-sponsored battle-site tour is a great way to experience and learn. Most tours include stops at Kakazu Ridge, General Buckner’s Monument, the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters, Mabuni Full and Peace Prayer Park, where the fighting came to an end.
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