American, Japanese families joined by war and remembrance

An Oregon couple is providing closure to the descendants of Japanese soldiers killed in World War II by repatriating the "good luck" flags they carried into battle, which were acquired by American GIs. Lee Cowan talks to veterans and their families about a respectful and emotional return - and of a bond born of war and strengthened in peace.

[@Ragnarswe]

Their fathers went to war - one survived, one didnt. Their children made peace. So powerful and it made me cry!

[@Testacabeza]

"This is not a flag, it is the spirit of a soldier."

[@diegorodriguez4171]

@J M that's not nice

[@hiromikoyama82]

@J M you're not wrong, even as a Japanese myself, i believe those people should acknowledge their mistakes. "Japan never did anything wrong!" seems like ignorants to me.

[@hiromikoyama82]

@J M Well received and peace be with you too, friend

[@kostasgk1664]

I am not american nor japanese but i just want to say that your countries are the awesome.peace with you guys

[@markusschultz4637]

Hiromi Koyama 戦争において何が正しいか正しくないかはかなりナンセンスだと思うが？あなたは日本人は自分たちが間違っていたという認識をしないことを批判してるけど、ではアメリカは正しかったと？？ It's meaningless to think what right and wrong are in war. You say those people should acknowledge they did wrong things. But do you think U.S. was right and Japan was wrong? If you think so, you ARE ignorant. No country is right in war.

[@waltanthony1988]

I am not going to lie, at 6:10 I am fighting back tears. What a beautiful gesture by the children of two warriors.

[@itsEpsilon]

Tried very hard to hold it on 6:00, on 6:10 i just couldn't.

[@Shoorit]

TheSlot1942 I never get tears in my eyes for anything but I’ll admit even I almost had a tear in my eye. Heartwarming and extremely sad at the same time.

[@pantherowow77]

Oh ok great. I thought you were going to lie.

[@Enclaveinator]

same

[@Matcholadraw]

Even the cameraman is holding back his tears, what an incredibly emotional moment.

[@xtopia91]

"You can't keep hating on people..." deep..

[@dieselboy610]

I love this and what Obon is doing. Makes me have faith in humanity.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Well said young man!🙏✌

[@bab1374]

Truly! I always have faith in humanity.

[@CanalDoVota]

"Its better to give, than to recieve." My father used to say it to me. Now i see the depth of that meaning. RIP Dad.

[@TodayFreedom]

I returned photos to the family of a German soldier killed in combat and I can assure you there’s no greater sense of satisfaction...it means the absolute world to these families- more than you can possibly imagine.

[@ayakotami3318]

When he got emotional meeting him at the Airport I lost it. When her sister cried I even more lost it and finally broke down. That flag is home as all those Japanese Flags should be.

[@KobyOwen]

I wonder if their relative was a war criminal?

[@mountainryder8]

I am of Japanese ancestry, but am totally illiterate in Japanese. A coworker came to me with one of these flags and asked if I knew anyone who could translate the flag. My parents probably couldn't because they are US born, but my uncle went to college in Japan (during WWII!) and was able to translate it. Unfortunately the translation process spun out of control and the daughter of the flag's owner got involved, and there was a lot of hurt feelings when my coworker donated the flag to the Pearl Harbor Museum instead of returning the flag. I am so glad that the Obon Society exists.... the flags need to go home.

[@redx1106]

Kathy Mayeda so is the flag still there or can you get it back

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

My grandfather was a Polish officer... My nephew is of partial German heritage. Forgive, and carry on.

[@TigerNZ]

I myself think that all the flags and swords taken from the war should go back. Just like here were I live. My ppl are still trying to get back what is ours. Maori heads. They were once ppl my ancestors and there displayed in museums as trophies. That's crap. Most will never understand the likes of the Japanese or the Maori and there spiritual beliefs. Send the flags home. For closure of the family's that lose loved ones. It's that simple

[@YurkoYuriev]

@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 Mine was Soviet. He was of Ukrainian and Polish descent

[@ronlackey2689]

@J M But you're a loser, so your opinion is irrelevant.

[@BlueBoyJocks]

This is so deep touches my soul.

[@winkk911]

It hurts a lot that the fathers had to fight in the war and see some really bad things and do some too. It is good that the sons can come together and make peace in a way that the fathers were never able to do.

[@roverman985]

6:04, cried my eyes out. I'm so thankful to the people returning these flags to the rightful homes. Very honorable people.

[@orneryokinawan4529]

His son is a spitting image of him. Made me cry. 😭

[@tommyvinson6]

My dad was in the US Army infantry in WW.2 and fought in the Pacific in the Phiilppines and on Okinawa. He talked very little about the war. My dad also had some things he brought back from the war He passed away 4 weeks ago at age 92.

[@thehighlights9421]

Tommy Vinson my condolences for you sir

[@bahagharidon1940]

WAR is the worst stupid thing that human will do.

[@Meko5]

Couldn't agree more. Humanity has been at it since we came to exist, but in this day and age, with the technology we have at our disposal, and the future we could achieve from it, the stars the limit.

[@Christojyn]

well, okinawa is not in the philippines but maybe your dad had been here in the philippines because american soldier had been here, they brought delicacies

[@gardensofthegods]

People everywhere are sick and tired of War they've had enough

[@cmartin1959-qq2mi]

That was an act of pure kindness.

[@King-2077]

We cant blame his dad for not wanting to give the flag back, many of those american soldiers fought for their lives, and seen the horrors of war. But I applaud his son for doing this and giving closure to the old conflict, and bringing peace between two races who once fought and hated each other.

[@lothar8077]

When that woman started weeping I lost it. War cuts so deeply into people's lives, it can be felt 3/4 of a century later.

[@evilord6540]

I always thought m hardcore... But this make me cry... Respect to all the fallen soldiers irrespective of their nation.. Love from arunachal pradesh

[@WhiteFalconMike]

As a Combat Wounded Veteran...”You Cannot Be Hating Your Enemy Forever” You Fight In The War...But You Must Find Peace Within Your Heart After.

[@kevinmuse6743]

Omg, now watching..its never too late to watch this incredible documentary. Lers have peace everyone, NO To WAR..there is no good results/ending if we have war. I hope to all the countries & leaders this may bring a big lesson👍🙏

[@vince4140]

Thank you to the OBON Society! You did a great job in healing the past! Despite that every veteran is old, you still did this. This is amazing.

[@freeholdtacticalmed]

Powerful...Things like this bind people together and helps to heal old wounds and pain. Going to war is a hard thing. Surviving a war and seeing friends die, get maimed, killing people is an awful thing. Returning the flag to a family whose father was killed in a war, however long ago was a difficult and respectful thing to do. I’m proud of this man and the OBON society’s work in helping old wounds heal and reuniting a family.

[@redrust3]

My mom‘s cousin died defending Saipan. all the family received were a few bone fragments. These flags embody spirit of my uncle and his fellow warriors.

[@jonstarlight]

This video gives me incredible hope. My life was once spared by the mother of our enemy when I was deployed overseas. She literally let me live when she had every reason to take revenge. It's something beautiful and unique when you find love where once only hate existed. I'm so glad the son of the American veteran personally gave the flag to the son of the man who had died while serving in Japan's Army. I'll never forget this story and I shared it on my wall as soon as I saw it. Thank you for sharing it with me. Thank you so much.

[@lojzalojzovic9519]

they butchered people with machetes are you serious ? nanking massacre read about it

[@keyboardwarria]

lojza, you can't really generalize like that. Would it be fair to say that "the Americans" massacred My Lai during the vietnam war? No because it was only a few bunch of soldiers from U.S. Army Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade who committed the murders.

[@TheRiyad1]

Aren't they part of the official US armed forces? really easy to just wash your hands off that and say it was just a bunch of rogue soldiers.

[@Meko5]

So by that rationality are we beholden to all atrocities committed by our soldiers regardless of us never having been there or done these things? Things that are way long gone in the past? Do we keep old wounds open forever?

[@samuelclayton08]

wow, @Jon Starlight, that sounds like an incredible story, could you please elaborate that, and I mean that in sincere curiosity of hearing another tale of human compassion under the duress of war in addition to this heart-warming video. Cheers and God Bless

[@julietlicaycay8219]

I was holding up tears. Im so glad that OBON made it possible for the families to find closure. Thank you for this vid.

[@duschgel8960]

Damn this is so sad. I hope both soldiers is happy now in Heaven.

[@69Risko]

O god... I'm crying so bad right now

[@firstimeshooter6590]

This hits hard even for us who have never had family in the war. I think it hits hard because it was a dark time in history. A war that should have never happened. And as a human the least I could do is cry.

[@dlanska]

This is just so incredible beautiful. Kindness can conquer fear, hate, and pain. Such wonderful people to work on bridging those terrible things with their own kindness and empathy.This is when you realize that there is still hope for a messed-up world.

[@slooob23]

This is one of the most wonderful things I have ever seen.

[@kiwiaviator7983]

Lived and worked in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. As a child, I remember playing on old WW2 Japanese ruins. This is so surreal and emotional to watch. Obon charity is the real deal. My Grandparents would never buy a Japanese vehicle post-war, you can understand that and I suppose, because of that, I could never disrespect some of these American veterans not wanting to return what they felt was theirs to keep. But as time passes the younger generation hurting with the loss of their own fathers who never talked about the war want to find closure in some way and do their part to reunite what was an incredibly personal item the Japanese soldier had on them during there final moments.

[@rockiemountin7535]

These old soldiers could teach this younger generation a whole lot about dignity and respect

[@turkeygerky2781]

I just hope that one day, if this happens to me, that there are beautiful and kind people who would do this for my family.

[@neoxenia7014]

My generation can learn so much from these veterans.

[@revendran1]

This couple are saving lives..Bless The both of you .

[@DelinProudmoore]

So many years 73 old so much time a go they kids meets each other

[@chiregio58]

SO touching,,, hard to express my feelings..

[@tomword5619]

What an amazing thing you all are doing and did. Thank you for sharing something so very personal with us. Thank you

[@WiserDaley-bz1rw]

Terry is unbelievable kind, caring and generous. Hats off to you Mr Terry ⭐

[@bab1374]

I cried so much, can not stop crying.Tears keep on falling down.Such a healing in this time of era ..crisis in our country..hatre..Please, we must all come together as one for the love of our nation where we are known of the melting pot. It is the beauty of America.

[@JavierRamirez-mf3tl]

I would like clint eastwood to make a film based on real events about flags returned to the Japanese people flag obon

[@mohamedashian604]

A documentary would work better

[@theresearcher7400]

This is a beautiful story.

[@bahagharidon1940]

God Bless you Terry, you have a soul of a real warrior and have a heart of love. You did the right thing.

[@stratowhore9051]

I understand his father's feelings about the Japanese. My father felt the same way. He was deployed to Okinawa.

[@trunocheah188]

is so heartwarming. my tear flow out

[@karendalsadik7119]

This is a beautiful story my father in law served in WWII and told my husband who was half Mongolian what some of the American soldiers did. This soldier didn’t understand the significance of the flag. Other soldiers took human heads which in Buddhism philosoply the soul can’t rest if body parts are separated. Since there wasn’t a body it was a huge reconciliation to send the flag home.

[@michaelkevinmirasol8256]

This means a lot to many Japanese families whose ancestors in their youth went to war have never returned home, not even a single hint of their bodies or remains. The flags meant the Japanese soldier's spirit have retirned to his respective family: an honorable welcome home indeed.

[@thysblouw2727]

It's time for the world to come to gather and be one big nation 🇯🇵🇺🇸

[@kasfranzese8645]

This is what this country is about! Freedom and watching out for ALL MANKIND.

[@KarthickHari333]

i actually cried....

[@dirbrody]

Very moving!

[@tonydoe877]

Love these stories ❤️

[@genesis2936]

To have and hold their father’s blood laced flag carried near his heart when he passed is beyond any human emotion ! 🙏 OBON society !

[@royarzunh]

I give my best wishes to Odon society for the beautiful work that you are doing. Receive a big hug from the end of the world, Puerto Montt, Chile.

[@johnsradios484]

Too bad that most WW2 veterans never talked about the war. It’s history that will be lost, maybe it was too painful to revisit.

[@ramamurtipaluri2420]

So touchy.

[@luismanuel2612]

Very moving ...

[@dtbrjlmd]

Keeping the flags turned out to be blessing of preservation

[@Wolfoo1]

i am in tears ...

[@mairiconnell6282]

The OBON Society are doing amazing work. This is so important and I wish you well in your work. Terry you did well better to give than receive.

[@S0ulinth3machin3]

This story illustrates why it's so important to treat the vanquished with respect. After WW1, the Treaty of Versaille basically blamed Germany for the war even though Germany was no more at fault than any of the other protagonists. The result was an aggreived nation and the world ended up with WW2. After WW2, George Marshall was determined to not make the same mistake. The Marshall Plan helped rebuild Germany and Japan and we ended up with friends and allies instead of enemies. Many generals understand how to win a war, but Marshall understood how to win the peace. For this reason, I consider him to be one of America's greatest and impactful generals. He changed the world for the better. The results of his actions are stories like this one, where people are able to let go, and with deep respect for one another.

[@jamesandrew1117]

Had me in tears.

[@tomn.9879]

I have a flag like this from my dad’s service in the Pacific. I need to get it translated.

[@Shregurun93]

your first comment by me ( 2019 )

[@Shregurun93]

my name is not 2019 I’m just saying this is the year when I posted the comment

[@Shregurun93]

oh wow your second comment by me ( 2019 )

[@Shregurun93]

never mind you have 4 comments now this one and the other three well done Tom N. ( 2019 )

[@Shregurun93]

bye your number five comment well done ( 2019 ) BYE NOW (:

[@danlam7788]

Even they are the enemy of us, but something we learn is the love for their country is so powerful.

[@jbliborio]

Very emotional... God bless Obon and all that now are in peace...

[@rmarkconger]

My father was a decorated Hero of the Battle of Okinawa. He was wounded earning a Purple Heart and a bronze star. He was in the 381st regiment of the 96th Army Infantry. His platoon captured an enemy flag which he brought home and before he died he instructed us to never return the flag. The flag is covered with salutations the translate in various ways to mean killing the men that attacked. Dad told us it should be kept to teach future children that unchecked maniacs the attack the US will meet us on the field and we will prevail. Freedom is never free. That flag is in the possession of my oldest son to be passed on when he dies with the same message.

[@2wahineandadog]

RIP to both soldies - well done to all the children!!!

[@purberri]

Heartwarming

[@vidtuby]

Obon Society, you guys are the greatest!

[@tombystander]

These are the kinds of videos we need to show kids in school

[@LucAbroad]

You are very good people, very well done for your hard work and passion.

[@jrryap]

Im crying 😭😭😭😭

[@LootandScoot]

My grandfather was also a staff sergeant over in the Pacific in WW2 he never once talked about the war or even said a single bad thing about the Japanese all I have left of him are his dogs and the occasional story his 91 year old brother tells me during visits and holidays

[@aammjaisriram]

Very emotional.

[@Oodychannel]

Thoses stories are giving me manly tears..

[@raven1462]

Japan has a beautiful history. Im glad where allies.

[@souljaboyeminem]

@J M There are rotten apples everywhere.

[@thetruth9775]

beautiful!

[@CoxJoxSox]

Beautifully done piece - great job

[@TigerNZ]

Beautiful ppl right there. I understand what the flag means to the Japanese. It like a taiaha to a Maori. It's your ancestor. Just beautiful

[@bryanmallorca8566]

Goodwork, Godbless you Obon foundation!

[@Allaiya.]

What a great thing they are doing. Finally giving some closure to families.

[@malasagagaming9614]

Bro, I'm crying.

[@VEGANSAM]

wow!

[@LanulembaJamir]

It's so nice 😍..... good work

[@525Lines]

It's a very common souvenir. I'm sure they'll get many more.

[@JavierRamirez-mf3tl]

Please make a movie about this.

[@jolkay41]

this absolutely wonderful. it brings to mind the few negative comments of President Obama's trip to Japan to view the sites of the atomic bombs and apologized for the tragedy. Folks full of hateful words that he should apologize. No one likes war... And for this son of an American (and others) to return these memory flags of Japanese soldiers to their families is a beautiful heatfelt gesture. This is what seals the bonds of peace..

[@johnnydiner9815]

Obama never apologized for the US dropping the bomb on Japan. It's a fairytale that Obama haters want to spread! The only thing America should apologize for is not dropping more atomic bombs on Japan, for all their war crimes!

[@saintjohnny1]

Johnny Diner Obama did apologize, and so did Pres. Clinton.

[@MrJm323]

The obvious problem with apologizing for an act is that, in effect, you are repudiating that act. ...The problem of repudiating a war action is that your present enemies will interpret this is a statement that you are unwilling to repeat the act; and that they may be emboldened to aggress on you in the future. Japan has a mutual defense pact with the U.S.. It relies on the U.S. for its protection. This includes our "nuclear umbrella" when it comes to facing down hostile countries that also possess nuclear weapons (China, North Korea, Russia). Obama wasn't promoting peace when he apologized for the U.S.'s use of the atomic bomb; he was effectively inviting China to be more aggressive in its dealings with Japan. (China and Japan have a running dispute over the sovereignty of some small islands near the Ryukus.) Obama was effectively weakening America's nuclear deterrence, which relies partly on convincing our potential enemies of our moral willingness to use them again in war.

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

nah. they earned it.

[@Meko5]

@@johnnydiner9815 yeah! The US created a weapon that has been refined and advanced to the point of exterminating and eliminating all of us! USA USA USA USA USA USA

[@cob4467]

Beautiful.

[@allgoo1964]

I grew up in a family happened to have a soldier(father side of uncle, elder brother of my father) who died in foreign country. Nobody ever talked about him, I've never seen a picture of him, probably they got rid of them.

[@KirkKiyosadaTome]

Thank you, Mr. Stockdale. Both of you.

[@algerianprophet9654]

"...For Hatred dies, stifled by its stupidity baseness. But greatness is eternal." - LÉON DEGRELLE

[@relaxedout8657]

My heart

[@Ellenslife851]

He hopes his father would have approved After all it did sound like his father had built up some hate after World War II. Because before his father died he asked me if he could get those flags back to the families and his father said no. But I can kind of understand how his father could feel that way because you’re fighting what you are told is the enemy you see things that you never want to see so it messes with your head a little building a bit of hate. But I also believe it is good to get that hate away and realize what is right. But then again maybe his father would approve

[@trainscronce6269]

I wish they taught their students more about the war

[@masonceely9790]

I wanna send my gramps back there and I think hed be okay with it. RIP gramp

[@DocStrange0123]

Then do it, why not? He probably would, may his soul rest in peace. No one can tell what will happen, or even who may you meet or have an email from or something, who knows... who knows what story is going to unfold if you do, I think you should, but that's a thing that you and only you can decide.

[@scott6504]

That's very beautiful.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

That is so great what he did to return the flag to that family! God bless both of their family's🙏✌😪

[@itscoffeeoclocksomewhere3075]

Proof, that war is a game where everyone loses.

[@bronxtours4193]

His father said NO .. lol not in my life time!!. I respect that. He was a solider. And he lost countless friends. But its good the flags finally go home.

[@silverlve70]

So powerful