This story really touched me.
An American soldier who fought in the battle of Iwo Jima has returned two mementoes to a Japanese family. Franklin Hobbs III took a photo of a baby and a child's drawing from the body of a dead Japanese soldier. Since that time, they have been in his possession. Recently, he returned them to the soldier's surviving daughters, who were deeply grateful to have them.
Hobbs, now 86, felt guilty for taking the items, but it never occurred to them to try to return them until his wife suggested it. He traveled to Japan to meet Chie Takekawa, the child artist, now 74. Hobbs had not returned to Japan since the war.
The photo and drawing are now on the family altar, where the Takekawa family can honor their father with memories and offerings.
An American soldier who fought in the battle of Iwo Jima has returned two mementoes to a Japanese family. Franklin Hobbs III took a photo of a baby and a child's drawing from the body of a dead Japanese soldier. Since that time, they have been in his possession. Recently, he returned them to the soldier's surviving daughters, who were deeply grateful to have them.
Hobbs, now 86, felt guilty for taking the items, but it never occurred to them to try to return them until his wife suggested it. He traveled to Japan to meet Chie Takekawa, the child artist, now 74. Hobbs had not returned to Japan since the war.
The photo and drawing are now on the family altar, where the Takekawa family can honor their father with memories and offerings.
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