[Title] Address by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Seventy-First National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead

Here today, in the gracious presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, it is with great reverence that I deliver this address on behalf of the Government at the opening of the National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead.

We will not forget even for a moment that the peace and prosperity we enjoy today exists only upon the precious sacrifices of the souls of those who, in a war which was extremely fierce and harsh, fell on the battlefields thinking of their homeland and concerned about their families, as well as the souls of those who perished amidst the ravages of war and those who lost their lives in remote foreign countries in the war's aftermath. I offer my deepest condolences and express my respect and gratitude once more.

The large number of war dead whose remains have still not been recovered also never leaves our minds. We will spare no effort to enable as many of the war dead as possible to return to their hometowns.

Consistently since the end of the war, Japan has assiduously walked the path of a country that abhors war and values peace. We have repeatedly provided generous support and made efforts for peace in order to make the world a better place.

We will never again repeat the devastation of war.

Remaining committed to this resolute pledge and humbly facing history, we will continue to contribute to world peace and prosperity while making every effort to bring about a world in which all people can live in a way that is rich in spirit. We will carve out a hope-filled future for our nation for the generations of tomorrow. I have no doubt that this is a way to repay the departed souls of the war dead.

I will conclude my address by once again offering my heartfelt prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of the war dead and for the happiness of the members of their bereaved families.

Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister of Japan

August 15, 2016