As a military family we found ourselves living on the island of Okinawa from 1990 - 1995. The summer we were to depart marked the 50th anniversary of the World War II and the Battle of Okinawa.
My grandfather, Roy Smith, died in Okinawa during the battle for Shuri Castle. My mother was three years old when her father passed. I had been on a battle tour to trace the steps my grandfather had taken. I had visited the then restored Shuri Castle. And although I knew that the 50th anniversary celebrations were coming up soon, I was anxious to return to the States.
I had been in Okinawa for five years and it was time. I had a family reunion on June 25th and one brother that I had a small window of opportunity to see. I was desperate to get move orders in hand and wanted to schedule my flight off the island. If you know anything about the military you know that nothing happens without orders. I had one focus get orders and get the next flight out.
Then on the second Sunday in June I was approached by a friend that was assisting in the organizing of the 50th anniversary events and he asked me if I would be interested in representing my grandfather during various ceremonies. It was like something clicked inside my head. My family back home was all together, they had each other. My grandfather had me.
I change my focus, accepted the opportunity to represent my grandfather and magically had our military move orders the next day. I scheduled my flight out four days latter than I had original planed. From the moment I turned my attention to my grandfather I felt him near. I had a new love and appreciation for a man not even my mother could remember.
The pinnacle commemoration ceremony to mark the end of the Pacific War and the Battle of Okinawa was the unveiling ceremony of "the Cornerstone of Peace". Located in the Peace Memorial Park, it is an incredible display of 114 monument walls finished in black granite. There are a total of 234,183 names inscribed on those walls, 14,005 of which are Americans. The one that most interested me was Roy Smith.
I was invited to sit in the VIP stand with the Veterans and their families that had returned to Okinawa for this event. I was so honored to be there for my grandfather, to show appreciation for his sacrifice. Just to be able to talk to the Veterans and sharing in the experience. School children simultaneously pulled white drapes from all 114 walls, as an "Eternal Flame of Peace" was lit. It was a moving event. I found grandpas name and took a rubbing of it for my mother.
I now have an incredible bond with my grandfather Roy, and it started with acknowledging his sacrifice. He gave up the opportunity to raise his daughters to ensure their freedoms. As a military wife I deeply appreciate the cost of freedom and the men and women that guard it daily.
The walls of "the Cornerstone of Peace" are shaped like byobu (folding screens). They fan back from the ocean to represent everlasting waves of peace. Converting the violent waves of the Typhoon of Steel into everlasting waves of world peace. Peace does not just happen is has been converted, formed, and fortified. Freedom is not free.
Thank you grandfather for my freedoms and
Happy Memorial Day!
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