For decades, the war lived on through memories, photographs, letters, and family stories.
In 2023, a small tribute in Okinawa, Japan, helped reconnect those memories across generations.
In a few days, families connected to six Basque-American servicemen who died during and in the aftermath of the Battle of Okinawa (April 1–June 22, 1945) will travel to the island to participate in Irei no Hi (慰霊の日) — the main annual commemoration honoring all those who perished during one of the deadliest campaigns of World War II.
Held every June 23 at the Cornerstone of Peace in Mabuni — where more than 240,000 names are commemorated, including over 14,000 Americans — the ceremony has become one of the world’s most important acts of remembrance dedicated to peace and reconciliation.
For many of these families, the journey represents a long-awaited opportunity to stand where their relatives lost their lives more than 80 years ago.
The six Basque-American servicemen are:
· Lawrence Amoriza
· Alejandro Itcea
· Dominique Laxague
· Felix Ordoquihandy
· Steven Sahargun
· Joseph Uriola
This initiative forms part of the broader “Fighting Basques: Memory of World War II” project developed by the Basque historical nonprofit association Sancho de Beurko in collaboration with the North American Basque Organizations (N.A.B.O.), whose long-term work will ultimately find a permanent public expression through the future National Basque WWII Veterans Memorial planned for Gardnerville, Nevada.
On behalf of Sancho de Beurko and N.A.B.O., Dr. Pedro J. Oiarzabal, head researcher of the “Fighting Basques” project, will participate in the upcoming commemorations and related activities in Okinawa as he did in 2023.