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Japan remembers war dead 80 years after WWII
Japan is marking the end of World War Two. August 15, 1945, is the day the public
learned that the country had surrendered. Emperor Naruhito says he hopes the
stories of the hardships endured during and after the war continue to get passed
down.
More than 4,000 people, including bereaved families, attended the government's
National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead in Tokyo.
About 2.3 million of the dead were soldiers and others involved in the now defunct
Imperial Japanese military. About 800,000 civilians also died.
Attendees held a moment of silence at noon.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako prayed for the souls of the dead.
The Emperor said: "Eighty years have passed since the end of the war. Our country
today enjoys peace and prosperity, thanks to the ceaseless efforts made by the
people. When I look back on the arduous steps taken by the people, I cannot help
but be overcome with deep emotion. It is my sincere hope that we carry on passing
down the stories of the hardships endured during and after the war and continue
in unity of spirit to seek peace and the happiness of the people in the future."
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru said that people must not forget what happened
eight decades ago. He said: "Generations who do not have firsthand knowledge of
war now make up the vast majority. We must never repeat the horrors of war. We
must never again choose the wrong path. We must now deeply etch in our hearts
the remorse and lessons of that war. No matter how much time passes, we will pass
down the heartbreaking memories of war and our resolute pledge for the
renunciation of war to future generations and continue to follow through with
actions for everlasting peace.
Many of the relatives who attended the event are aged 80 or over.
Relatives under the age of 18 also took part so that they can pass down the stories
of hardship to future generations.
surrendered t hardships
the government's National Memorial Ceremony KHOZZÁH
defunct 廃止した prosperity *** arduous 骨の折れる firsthand
remorse 自責の念 resolute 断固とした
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1.When did the Japanese public learn about the country's surrender in World War
II?
a. August 14, 1945
b. August 15, 1945
c. September 2, 1945
d. August 15, 1946
2.How many civilians died in the war according to the passage?
a. 2.3 million
b. 800,000
c. 4,000
d. 80,000
3. What did Emperor Naruhito emphasize in his speech?
a. Strengthening the military
b. Passing down stories of hardship and seeking peace
c. Economic development
d. Increasing tourism
4.In the sentence "We must never again choose the wrong path," what does the
wrong path most likely mean in this context?
a. Starting another war
b. Losing economic stability
c. Choosing the wrong political leader
d. Forgetting about the Emperor
5.Which word in the passage is closest in meaning to endless?
a. Defunct
b. Bereaved
c. Ceaseless
d. Arduous
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