Last Imperial Japanese Soldiers Warn Younger Generations of WWII Atrocities

World War II veterans from both the Allied and Axis sides are sharing their personal histories as the number of surviving participants dwindles. Frank Robert Tangherlini, a 101-year-old U.S. veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge with the 101st Airborne Division, recently contributed his story and signed a ceremonial M1 Garand rifle to preserve the legacy of those who served. Meanwhile, in Japan, survivors like Kunshiro Kiyozumi, a 97-year-old former Imperial Navy sailor involved in significant naval operations including the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, have lived quiet postwar lives and seldom recounted their experiences until recently. These veterans often reflect on the brutal realities of the war and emphasize the importance of remembering the past to avoid repeating its tragedies. Efforts to preserve and honor these accounts include oral history projects and museum donations, underscoring a shared message of diplomacy and the human cost of conflict. This collective remembrance highlights the universal impact of World War II and the urgency to educate future generations.