Efforts Underway to Recover WWII Soldier Remains on Attu Island

The Japanese government and U.S. are collaborating to recover the remains of soldiers from WWII’s Battle of Attu Island. A memorandum was signed after years of challenges posed by the island’s environment. Currently, over 2,000 remains are still on the island, and efforts to manage and begin recovery operations are underway.

Relatives of Japanese soldiers who fought at Attu Island during WWII are hopeful for the recovery of their remains, following a new memorandum between the Japanese and U.S. governments. This agreement initiates a project to retrieve remains that have remained uncollected due to the island’s severe conditions for over 70 years. Attu Island, in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, was the site of fierce combat, with 2,638 soldiers perishing in the battle.

Efforts to retrieve remains from Attu Island mark a significant step towards honoring the deceased soldiers of WWII. The newly established memorandum between Japan and the U.S. aims to assess environmental impacts and prepare for recovery operations. With over 2,000 soldiers’ remains still unretrieved, the project is expected to not only provide closure to bereaved families but also foster a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding these soldiers’ sacrifices as awareness grows.

Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp