Koizumi Attends Iwo Jima Memorial Service

Junichiro Koizumi Attends Memorial Service on Iwo Jima, Pledges Not to Forget Soldiers Who Died

TOKYO — Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended a memorial service on Iwo Jima Sunday, the first Japanese leader to visit the Pacific island since its surrender 60 years ago after one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. At a newly refurbished memorial for the war dead, Koizumi pledged not to forget the troops lost on either side on the Japanese island, the first one that was invaded in the war. "More than 28,000 people of Japan and the United States lost their lives here on Iwo Jima. I hope I can contribute to a permanent world peace, knowing that their ultimate sacrifice has brought about today's peace and prosperity," Koizumi said before placing flowers.