KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- For many Okinawan residents, the war stories of their island live in memory, passed down through generations. A group of local residents had the opportunity to walk through that history themselves, inside Kadena Air Base on August 13, 2025.
As part of a peace campaign led by Okinawa City officials and hosted by the 18th Wing, the guided tour gave locals access to historical sites not typically open to the public.
Among the stops: the Peace Garden memorial, the remains of World War II-era Japanese aircraft hangars, and a former hospital cave used during the Battle of Okinawa; first by Japanese forces, then later as an air raid shelter for American service members.
"This program is important because it gives locals the opportunity to connect with locations they usually can’t access,” said Atsuko Onaga, Okinawa City staff member. “We want to keep telling the story of the Battle of Okinawa to future generations and remind them of the importance of peace.”
The Battle of Okinawa, fought from April to June 1945, was one of the most significant campaigns of World War II. Today, Okinawa honors those lost through remembrance, reflection, and education.
Tour attendee Arisa Kina said walking through the sites made the history come alive in a way that books and photos never could.
"I’ve been to the Nagasaki and Hiroshima memorials,” she said. “But seeing this place in person — where my own family is from — made it feel real. It helps you truly understand what happened.”
For Kina, the tour also held personal meaning. “My grandfather was a U.S. Marine. My grandmother is Okinawan,” she said. “Their story proves that peace and friendship are possible, even after war.”
The event highlights ongoing efforts by the U.S. military and local communities to strengthen ties through mutual understanding. By learning from the past together, both sides aim to foster peace, respect, and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.