Remembering Nagasaki

Today is the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. Because of this, I thought it would be the best day of our Nagasaki excursion to visit the Peace Park memorial.

I have previously visited the Peace Park in Hiroshima, which was moving. But for some reason, Nagasaki's Peace Park was even more emotional for me. Perhaps it because it wasn't busy to the extent that we felt rushed through the museum. Or perhaps it has gotten less attention as a tourist site and therefore seems to better fulfill its true purpose as a site of remembrance and reflection.

There have been times when I have felt awkward as an American in Japan, aware that for many I represent the most powerful and possibly the most hated nation in the world. It is especially awkward for me when I visit places like Hiroshima and Nagasaki, knowing that my country was the cause of their suffering and devastation.

I had a long talk with the kids about being respectful during our visit and not running around and playing. Jared wondered why it was okay for the Japanese children to be noisy and not him. I sat him down and explained to him about the bombing and how the former leaders of the country we are from were the perpetrators. I also told him that some people might not separate us in their minds from the people who decided to drop the bombs, so it was important that we be quiet and show concern about what happened. He understood surprisingly well and helped keep his little brother in line.