Okinawa marks 80 years since end of one of harshest WWII battles with pledge to share tragic history

Okinawa marked the day when one of the harshest battles of World War II fought on the southern island ended 80 years ago. In the face of growing global tensions, its governor pledged to keep telling the tragedy of the residents and their still unhealed wounds The Battle of Okinawa killed about a quarter of the island's population, leading to a 27-year U.S. occupation and heavy American troop presence to date. Monday’s anniversary comes one day after U.S. attacks on Iran, adding to the sense of uncertainty about the heavy American military presence on the island.