Haebaru City to open WWII hospital trenches to the public
This is taken from the Japan Update website, but I think that anyone with an interest in Okinawa and its history would be moved/intrigued by this. Haebaru City are going to open some of its hospital trenches, where the so called “Princess Lily” or Himeyuri Girls had to work in literally hellish conditions. If you get the chance, you could do a hell of a lot worse than visit these hospital trenches and pay your respects. Here is the full story from Japan Update:
Haebaru City opens up hospital trenches used in Okinawa Battle
Date Posted: 2007-05-10
A series of trenches used in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 as a Japanese hospital will be open to the public beginning in June.
Haebaru Town?fs mayor, Toshiyasu Shiroma, says the Number 20 Trench of Army Hospital Haebaru Trench will begin allowing visitors and tourists June 18th. The trenches are being called cultural assets, and will be the first to open since the Battle of Okinawa ended 62 years ago.
The Haebaru Trench was the 32nd Squadron Okinawa Garrison?fs permanent hospital, a set of 30 hand-dug cave trenches. During the May through July 1945 battle, solders were brought to the hospital, where local doctors, nurses and Himeyuri Medical School students could take care of them.
Haebaru?fs decision whether to protect the trenches, or open them to the public, was difficult, but necessary, says the mayor. Twenty of the 32 trenches have been restored and maintained, and will be open for public inspection. A trench is generally 70 meters long, with a 1.8 meters high ceiling and similar width.
Walls and ceilings of the trenches are often black from American flame throwers used in the invasion. ?gWe want the current generation to learn about how life was in those days,?h says Mayor Toshiyasu Shiroma. ?gEveryone should learn.?h
Tour visit reservations are now being accepted by Haebaru city. Those interested can call 098-889-7173, or email: bunka-o@town.haebaru.okinawa.jp.
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Thanks for the update Dave, this seems a very interesting place to visit.