An Essay to the Younger Generation


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An Essay to the Younger Generation
by F B Litchfield
Hon. Public Relations Officer
2nd July 1997.

''The Time has come", the Walrus said, "to speak of many things, of tortoises; of sealing wax, and cabbages and kings"

You all must know this saying - well, the Time has come NOW to record for posterity the memories of those few survivors to have a factual record of what happened in the depths of the jungle and in far away comers of the Far East in the years 1942 -1945 before it is too late. The numbers of survivors is dwindling fast. These dates may seem way back, long before you were born and, therefore, of little interest. But the events had far-reaching consequences on your present life of today.

In the same way, the Battle of the Somme, in the First World War in which many fought for this country seemed only history book reading at school.

In each War the fighting was for Liberty and Justice which enemy countries threatened to take from us. What consequences there would have been on your lives now if Great Britain and her Allies had lost the Wars and thereby lost such liberty and justice. Today people often talk of their "Rights,'. Such rights, or whatever they mean, are taken for granted. Whatever they are today, they were fought for yesterday.

Do you know the famous saying of World War II? "When you go home" (was the message of the dying to the survivors) 'tell them of us and say, that we gave our tomorrows for your today". Stop and think a while on that!

It is too long overdue that recognition is seen and admission made to the atrocities enforced by the Japanese upon our men and the men of our allies. What the elephants refused to do, the men were made to do. For example, hauling teak tree trunks for chopping into railway sleepers and making poles to construct the wooden bridges for the trains. So many men have died from their experiences since World War II and now their families bear the resultant scars. Listen to the personal stories of the few survivors. May the culprits who did not acknowledge the Geneva Convention pay a price, albeit nominal, in restitution awards as an admittance to the World. This may then inform their younger generation of what they were capable of and now perhaps that they can also be capable of having some remorse and humility.

The Geneva Convention, its history, wording, aims and recognition and/or rejection could be a subject for you to research. Recently in Bosnia the Convention was not adhered to. What of its future? Can it be relied on?

Hot weather is generally enjoyed but the humidity in Thailand with the steaming heat is only debilitating and emphasises the impact of the environment in which the atrocities of hard labour, torture, starvation and disease took place. How any men survived at all is, to my mind, miraculous and is as inscribed on many graves "Known Unto God".

The younger generation respond with interest but query what to do for the Memorial project and with the knowledge that they glean. Their interest stimulated into research and communication is a start, then appreciation of their history and heritage is of utmost importance to uphold the dignity and traditions of bygone disbanded Army battalions who have fought to defend our liberty, democracy and justice.

One must always seek the Truth and establish the Facts objectively Therein lies the total strength and importance of accurate Knowledge and this dispels fear and denial. Denial happens - be aware!

Near to the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai is the Monument erected by the Japanese. On it, inscribed in three languages, Thai, Japanese and English, is the following:

"This monument was erected by the then Japanese Army in February 1944 during World War II in memory of the personnel of the Allied Forces together with other people who died during the construction of the Thailand-Burma Railway. Once a year in March voluntary members of the Japanese community in Thailand assemble here to hold a Memorial Ceremony for those who died"

This is an example of how, given time and ignorance, the whole story can be misinterpreted.

"The reason history repeats itself.... is that no-one was listening the first time"
Don't let it happen again!

Japan now wants friendship in the World. What approaches would you recommend? Their Embassy advert in The Times in February 1997 was to invite young people to write an essay for a contest. The title - 'What Measures should be taken to deepen mutual understanding and to strengthen relations between Japan and your country toward the 21st Century".

The advert stated that the object was to promote understanding and strengthen ties between Japan and European countries. Where does the pain of the Far Eastern past of World War II fit in here and why was not Australasia included?? Ask "Why", too of the reasons for the atomic bombs on Japan. They ended World War II.

Today the media shows World events as they happen. In the late 1940s the World was quite different and distances seemed far greater. A four-minute telephone call from Australia was then costing about half an average week's wage. Today you can appreciate a communications network of modem technology to give instant insight from across the World of events as they take place at minimum cost.

This aids in gaining knowledge and facts but beware, too, of journalists' bias.

Always seek and ask why these things happened In history, the causes. Learn these, not just the symptoms. How could such as these causes be avoided in future years?

The Japanese culture permitted this to happen. Why? Use all your knowledge to understand other cultures and make friends not enemies for the future and thereby aim for World peace. Speak to young Japanese of the horrors and why we consider they should repent and make amends. Attitudes to Life itself; behaviour and other creeds and religions and skin colour are inherent features but communication should be encouraged. Otherwise there becomes continuous hatred which is evident in the World today. If only you would look around and be aware of it and ask "How did it start?". After all, it is a chance act of birth that You are where you are in Life.

Take time to Learn, Think and Thank.

Your comments are welcomed.

F B Litchfield
Hon. Public Relations Officer
2nd July 1997
3pagodas@iname.com

3pagodas@iname.com

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