Japan Envoy Apologizes for WW2 Damages in RP

[VeeVee]

www.gmanews.tv/story/156129/Japan-envoy-apologizes-for-WW-II-damage-at-Araw-ng-Kagitingan-rites

Japan envoy apologizes for WW II damages in RP
04/08/2009

MANILA, Philippines - Japan’s envoy to the Philippines has expressed his “heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse" over the damage the Japanese army caused in the Philippines during World War II, including the tragic Bataan Death March.

Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura made the remark at the commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) Tuesday on Mt. Samat in Pilar town in Bataan province.

“As I stand before this venerable shrine on Mount Samat, let me...reiterate my greatest tribute to all those who fought and fell, and my heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse over the damages caused by the Japanese military in the Philippines," Katsura said before President Arroyo, US Ambassador Kristie Anne Kenney, local government officials and war veterans.

Katsura said that after the war, Japan “was reborn as a peace-loving nation" and that post-war Japan “has firmly resolved to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world, without allowing the terrible lessons of the war to erode."

He said that Japan is committed to support the Philippine government’s efforts in bringing peace and prosperity to the country, especially in Mindanao.

Tokyo has deployed two Japanese development experts for Japan’s prospective development projects in the southern Philippines, despite ongoing clashes between government troops and Muslim rebels.

Japan has donated 7,500 tons of rice through the World Food Program to thousands of civilians the Mindanao conflict has displaced.

Also, he said he is confident that the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA, which took effect last December, “will bring the already strong ties between our two nations to a higher level." - GMANews.TV

[VeeVee]

www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p090408.htm&no=03&r=&y=&mo=

Ambassador Kenny addresses veterans
By Alice Nicart

Manila (8 April) -- United States Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Kenny spoke with her heart yesterday before a host of veterans and their sons and daughters on the occasion of the 67th Bataan Day Celebration at Mt. Samat, Bataan.

Seeing the elderly who sat prominently in the audience yet wearily, Kenny's word directly spoke about their sacrifices which according to her were a lot of inspiration.

For a start Kenny greeted the old folks (some have fallen asleep in their chairs), in Tagalog with rather a foreign twang, yet to those who heard her say, was a demonstration of great friendship.

"Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat, magandang umaga mga beterano," was her well-applauded warm greetings to all who gathered for the Bataan Day.

Kenny admitted that she was humbled by the many Filipinos who stood for the Philippines and for other peace-loving nations. But perhaps she said, many did not know that their service will represent the face of freedom around the world.

"Perhaps you did not know then, that you stood up for the future," was continued guess.

She even presumed that many Filipinos did so, not because of the many geo-physical issues at that time but because they knew the country needed them.

"Perhaps you did not know that your sacrifices will inspire generations later or perhaps, you did not know that many of you will not survive. These things we know today," she said, because then, you knew that your family, your neighbors and friends needed you.. their future needed you to be strong.

Kenny emphasized that the celebration honored not only those who survived but also who didn't; the many civilians who helped out those who were weak; those who were failing.

The lady top ranking officer reminded her audience that the celebration of the Bataan Day fell on the Holy Week which is an important week, when we all recognize new beginnings born of sacrifice when we recognize triumph over despair and light over dark.

In acknowledging the efforts of the veterans, Kenny said that as their courage and heroism were being celebrated, it was also a celebration of the light and freedom the veterans have given them. The joy of inspiration, that we still feel today whenever we hear from them, see them, or read what they have done, and most of all, "we celebrate the new beginnings, a new era, a better friendship of peace-loving countries who now work together inspired by the services of the veterans", the lady concluded. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

[oklahoma]

well, i suppose thats a little better than 'nuthin. i have to believe that the "slave laborers" who survived the death march and hell ships to work in the mines and factories of japan could do with, maybe, a little monetary renumeration also. the so-called "comfort women" and the folks in nanking and manila probably would agree since they were also showered with the blessings of the " east asia co-prosperity sphere". just my humble opinion.