本文テキスト
War and Peace
〈messages from high school students〉
1
I was very shocked when I learned that many young people my age died in the war.
They had to suffer much and die miserably.
How terrible to live in such a time!
Now I realize how fortunate and happy I am.
2
In Okinawa many people killed themselves in groups.
It seems that in an extreme situation of life or death, man can be very cruel.
We cannot stop it once war breaks out.
It will be too late.
3
I think we need to think of the war in a broader way.
It's not only about Okinawa.
We have to think of the other people of Asia, too.
Because of Japan, many of them had to suffer greatly, too.
When we see things from different viewpoints, we learn that it is important to treasure people's lives.
4
We need to know about war.
If we don't know about the tragedy of war, we may start a war again in the future.
It's very important to learn the facts and understand the cruelty of war.
Reading books or seeing pictures is not enough.
As for me, I went to Okinawa and heard the story firsthand.
That's when I really felt a fear of war.
5
During World War Ⅱ, children were taught to die for the country.
Children gave their lives without any doubts.
This is terrible.
Now children must be educated to treasure their own lives and those of others.
6
Our ancestors tried very hard to stay away from war.
But because of that, they had to go through much hardship.
Still, I feel proud of my ancestors who followed the spirit of Nuchidu takara.
They treasured life most, and tried hard to preserve it.
7
We have grown up with a U.S. army base in our neighborhood.
We have gotten used to it.
However, this is actually an awful circumstance.
People have different feelings toward the base.
Some people say the U.S. must remove the base at once.
There are also people who depend on it to make a living.
We all hope for peace, but it is difficult to actually establish it.
I am thinking about what to do to establish real peace.
8
We must not repeat the mistake people made in the Battle of Okinawa.
Why did such a thing happen?
Why did so many people die?
We have to ask ourselves these questions.
When we become adults, we must tell this story to our children and grandchildren.
9
I'm afraid many people think this peace will last forever, but I don't think so.
Even now, there are wars all over the world.
We, the younger generation, must have a strong desire for peace.
We must make up our minds never to fight in a war again.