Monday, March 2, 2009

Japanese Emperor To Visit Pearl Harbor For First Time Since War

Emperor Akihito: The trip, which is likely to include a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial,
is considered highly symbolic Photo: AP

From The Telegraph:

The Japanese emperor is likely to visit Pearl Harbor in July, the first time a member of the imperial family will have visited the site of the surprise attack that brought the United States into the Second World War.

Emperor Akihito will be accompanied by Empress Michiko for the visit, which is designed to promote peace and reconciliation between the former enemies.

The Imperial Household Agency declined to confirm the dates of the visit, which will be the emperor’s first overseas trip since 2007. The emperor has been suffering from ill-health in recent months and was hospitalised late last year for treatment for internal bleeding.

Read more ....

My Comment: Will the Emperor visit the USS Arizona? They say that he will ... and I hope that he does. There will be history and symbolism in this visit .... and it is long overdue.

I hope that President Obama will also be there .... for it will be a historical moment, unprecedented in U.S.-Japanese relations.

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