VietNamNet Bridge – “Japan experienced great losses in the war. We have recently been hit by terrible earthquakes and tsunamis. Commemorating the My Lai Massacre, we deeply understand the grief, and we must further respect the peace,” said Prof. Hiroshi Fujimoto from Japan’s Nanzan University.

On March 16, hundreds of foreign guests, relatives of victims of the My Lai Massacre, students and teachers of Tinh Khe commune, Son Tinh district, the central province of Quang Ngai stayed some time in silent contemplation at the Son My monument; to commemorate 504 Son My people who were massacred on March 16 1968, and thousands of victims of the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan on March 11.

After the bell, people burned incense in front of the Son My monument. American veteran Roy Mike Boehm played a violin at the monument, hoping to ease the grief in this land. Another American veteran, named Bille Kelly placed 504 roses at the monument to wish for a peaceful world.

Prof. Hiroshi Fujimoto and Japanese students also offered incenses at the Son My monument. He said, “Japan experienced great losses in the war. We have recently been hit by terrible earthquakes and tsunamis. Commemorating the My Lai Massacre, we deeply understand the grief and we must further respect the peace”.

43 years ago, an American platoon suddenly landed on the field of My Lai in March 1968. They flocked to the village and shot to dead 504 civilians, most of them as women and children.

The commemoration in My Lai on March 16:

American veterans play with kids at the My Lai Massacre commemoration zone.

Offering flowers and incenses to 504 victims of the massacre.

Prof. Hiroshi Fujimoto and Japanese students at the Son My monument.

Ringing bell to wish for peace.

American veteran Roy Mike Boehm plays a violin to pray for the souls of 504 victims.

The survivors of the My Lai Massacre.

Hundreds of pupils burn incenses at the Son My Monument.

Japanese students take photo with Vietnamese pupils.

PV