Remembrance Day 2010 - Commonwealth Cemetery, Yokohama

[CDNSushi]

This is the second year that I've attended this ceremony. It is held at Hodogaya Cemetery, which is the resting place of some of the Commonwealth soliders who fell during the Pacific campaign of WWII.

There are several "sections" in the cemetery, including a Canadian section, a British section, Indian Section, and an Australian section. It was created by the Australian War Graves group. Each year, a Remembrance Day ceremony and outdoor reception (with tea, cakes, and light lunch) is held on November 11, or the closest Sunday to it. It is organized and hosted on a rotational basis by the representative Commonwealth embassies. This year it was held on Sun., Nov. 7th, and organized by the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo.

The Cross of Sacrifice


Guests attending the ceremony. Interesting note: the gentlemen in the foreground is wearing an old-style, Japanese miltitary (veteran's?) cap. As an interesting note, Japan (to my knowledge) has no official day of remembrance in the same way that we do in the West.


Prayers for peace are offered by ministers of all the major faiths. Standing in front of me (backs to the camera) are a Buddhist monk (in orange robes) and Catholic priest (in white vestment). In this photo, the official wreath on behalf of Canada is being placed by the Canadian ambassador to Japan, Jonathan Fried.


One of the plots in the Canadian section.


I found it rather interesting that one of the prettiest rose bushes in the whole garden was growing next to the stone of a Sergeant Rose (of the New Zealand infantry).

[BoldHighlander]

Thank you so very much for sharing your experience with us!

[Riverkilt]

So touching to see that they are not forgotten.

If that is a Japanese veteran I'm guessing his intentions were of peace and amends and honoring former foes.

[macwilkin]

Post deleted, since I am no expert on Japanese uniforms.

T.

[English Bloke]

Lest we forget.

[ohiopiper]

Based on my time in Japan, I would guess that RiverKilt is spot on. The Japanese vets and current military are very concious of their role in world history. They are very courteous when dealing with foreign military, especially WWII remembrances. If he bore ill will, he likely would have just stayed home.