THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 14, 1994 TAG: 9412130018
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
In Tokyo, near the Jasukuni Temple, one will find a locomotive bearing the inscription that this locomotive was used during the construction of the Birma Railroad.
Remember that railroad - every spike representing a dead prisoner? Would world opinion allow the Germans to put up a locomotive that hauled prisoners to the death camps?
In 1985, seven of the war criminals hung after the Tokyo trials were officially inscribed in the rolls mentioning the war dead at that same temple.
Every year the Imperial family pays homage to those war dead/criminals.
Again, would world opinion allow the Nuremburg criminals to be inscribed in a German war monument?
In 1986, the Japanese bought $2 billion worth of gold from the United States to mint a coin to commemorate Hirohito's 60 years on the throne. How many were maimed, killed, scarred for life in his name? That spineless gentleman was never prosecuted, for (wise) political reasons, but to ``honor'' him?
Did anyone protest?
The bombs saved my life and those of many who were being killed off in Japanese labor/prison camps. Somewhat scared, but alive, I now enjoy my children and grandchildren.
I suggest we drop the stamp, if the Japanese undo all of the above.
WILLEM ROELOFSEN
Former prisoner No. 27944
Virginia Beach, Dec. 8, 1994 by CNB