Iwakuni, Japan -- Once someone has been on this station for awhile, they may tend to acquire “tunnel vision” when making their usual commutes.
Going from the barracks to the Commissary and back, or maybe driving to and from work, a person could completely zone out the station around them.
Hundreds of times, someone could walk through the small park area nestled by the four-way intersection, glance over at the torii gate and the slab of stone resting in front of it and never think twice about what they represent.
“In memoriam, with grateful remembrance for those who gave their lives before us, we dedicate this plaque and our lives that their sacrifice my never be in vain. We commend their souls to Almighty God. May all who read these words rededicate their lives to the preservation of freedom which others have bought for us.”
It’s these words which are engraved onto the Vietnam memorial, which stands at the four-way intersection by the Crossroads Mall here.
Around the stone slab, a mote of small rocks lies between the black marble pedastool and the remaining marble base.
Etched into the side of the marble base which faces the torii gate reads, “1st Marine Air Wing, VIETNAM, 1965-1971,” with the United States Marine Corps symbol on one side and MCAS Iwakuni symbol on the other.
Constructed in May 26, 1972, the memorial was built in dedication of the 493 1st MAW service members who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. The names of all those who paid the ultimate price are inscribed in gold upon the sides of the stone monument.
A torii gate is place in front of the memorial, symbolizing the friendship and support of our Japanese neighbors even while residents here serve so far away from home.
By the side of the torii gate, resting under the shade of a nearby tree, a plaque reads, “This memorial has been adopted by the members of the Genesis Lodge #89.”
Genesis Lodge No. 89 Free and Accepted Masons has conducted volunteer efforts in earlier years to repaint the torii and provide upkeep to the memorial and its surrounding land.