Okinawa Flag Raising: The Last Major Battle of WWII

In writing my recent blog about my dad, Tribute: My Dad & Okinawa Gunto (The Last Major Battle of WWII), and the operation he was in, I discovered something interesting: the raising of the American flag at Okinawa on May 30, 1945. That made me question why this part of history was overshadowed by the Iwo Jima flag raising, which was February 23, 1945. The Okinawa operation (26 March – 23 June 1945) is listed not only as the last major battle but the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific during World War II.

The last major battle? I decided to investigate.This island was the last stop before the Japanese islands. Japan, having agreed in principle to unconditional surrender on August 14, 1945, after two atomic bombs were dropped, formally surrendered, ending World War II on September 2, 1945. Okay, bombing isn't the same as battles. After fact checking many battles and dates, it appeares the wording of "last major battle" is accurate.

So, back to the flag raising of this last battle. Why is this flag information so low key? When you do an internet search for WWII flag raising it only shows the Iwo Jima one unless you're more specific. Maybe the notoriety was due to the amount of men raising the American Flag there, or the amount of lives lost there was greater than in the Okinawa operation? Who knows? Yet, one would surmise the picture of the raising of the last battle flag would have some importance and be as discussed as much as the Iwo Jima picture.

If interested in knowing more, this "Final Campaign" link below is a detailed telling of the Okinawa campaign. One thing, out of the many things, this article mentions is the kamikaze pilots. It made my heart sink to think my dad's ship could have been attacked that way and the numerous things that could have been running through his mind during that time.

I also thought I'd share an excerpt from the link in order to single out, from among the many interesting things in the article, the information about minesweepers. This was one of his ship's assignments; one ship out the many ships and men involved.

Excerpt: "Meanwhile, Turner's minesweepers had their hands full clearing approach lanes to the Hagushi Beaches. Navy Underwater Demolition Teams, augmented by Marines, blew up hundreds of man-made obstacles in the shallows. And in a full week of preliminary bombardment, the fire support ships delivered more than 25,000 rounds of five-inch shells or larger. The shelling produced more spectacle than destruction, however, because the invaders still believed General Ushijima's forces would be arrayed around the beaches and air fields. A bombardment of that scale and duration would have saved many lives at Iwo Jima; at Okinawa this precious ordnance produced few tangible results."

The Final Campaign: http://ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/USMC-C-Okinawa/index.html

To continue, my blog photo shows the raising of the American Flag by one lone but still significant Marine. The caption stated: LtCol Richard P. Ross, commander of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, braves sniper fire to place the division's colors on a parapet of Shuri Castle (Okinawa) on May 30, 1945. This flag was first raised over Cape Gloucester and then Peleliu. (The Department of Defense has the original photo - USMC 121832.)

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Additional links:

1) Some sources state the flag was raised on May 29th or June 1st but this video shows May 30th ... http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675034739_soldiers_man-climbs-hill_Flag-planted-on-top_American-flag

2) A brief newspaper article, with picture, about the flag being raised on May 30th along with a little more history of the flag and battle. http://historicperiodicals.princeton.edu/historic/cgi-bin/historic?a=d&d=MarineCorpsChevron19450616-01.2.43&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------#

3) For World War II Timeline: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/history/wwii_timeline.html
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What is Sin?

The other night, my husband and I watched the 1966 movie called Hawaii. It was about a missionary and his wife going to Hawaii to teach the natives about Christianity. The first thing they noticed, upon arriving to the island, was that the women, greeting the ship, were bare breasted. That was only the beginning of the things the missionary demanded to change in order to save their souls from the eternal fires of hell. Later, there was a somewhat humorous scene when the missionary discovered that adultery and incest were common among them. At one point, the brother (and husband) of the Queen lists the twenty-three ways to commit adultery on the island, based on the missionary's definition of it to him.

This had me thinking about today and our concept of sin. Apparently, back then, in this Hawaii story, they thought it was strange to cover themselves, or not to have sex with, or get married to, their siblings, etc. That is until a missionary came along to save them. Yet, did they need saving? Wouldn't God know of their "wickedness?" Did he feel they were being sinful in what they did? Would he have allowed all their ancestors to burn in hell? After all, their feelings were of innocence and disbelief. They weren't doing anything evil. That thought had to be planted in their minds from an outsider.

Sure, some may say the missionary was sent to save them, but did they really need saving? Their ideology seemed to be working quite well and they all seemed happy and content. Until someone came along and decided to change their ideology, implant these judgments, and call them sinners. There was one scene where it was discussed about the Hawaiians killing babies that were born with birthmarks on them. They thought it was more cruel to allow them to live. The Hawaiians were taught that this too was sinful. Until then, they felt they were doing the right thing. In that time period, maybe they were. Maybe they too were being guided by God for their needs. Who are we to judge?

As you can see, this movie made me think about the innocent mind doing something and not thinking it was wrong until told. Yes, we have more scientific awareness that helps our decisions today. However, we have multicultural concepts that are wrong to some but right to others. So who is right or wrong? Who is a sinner and who isn't? A long time ago, I felt the need to ask God, while meditating, about sin and judgment. The short message I received was basically very simple. It went: "I do not judge you, you judge you based on what you feel you did wrong."

Interesting. We judge ourselves before him. In their innocence, of what they did before the missionary arrived, they were sinless, until the thought was planted into their mind and they believed it. Before, when approaching God, he may have found them sinless based on their purity and innocence of thought. However, if they believed the missionary, and continued on with their old ways, they may have met God with guilt or shame; thus judging themselves.

What is sin? Well, what's within you to judge yourself? What has been shown to you, in order for you to decide? What do you feel is right or wrong based on education and awareness? I feel that's how God will see our souls; not so much with mankind and all its judgments, laws and rules, which we still need to obey or pay, but with his infinite wisdom. Also, something else I learned, while meditating: man has many rules but God has one and it's Golden.

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Just in case the movie over indulged truth, I found this website that describes more of Hawaiian life back then.

http://www.hawaii.edu/PCSS/biblio/articles/2000to2004/2004-sexual-behavior-in-pre-contact-hawaii.html
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Power Dream: Firehose Attack?

It's been quite awhile since this has happened to me but I had what I call another power dream this morning or a form of one. I'll explain why I call it this.

Several times, over the last 25 plus years, I've been awakened with a feeling as if someone has turned on the force of a firehose, without the water - just energy,  towards my head (sometimes my back but that's more like a punch). This morning it was my head again. It pounds on my head but eventually stops.

I sense that I'm semi awake and try to block it with my arm/hand, if it's my head that's under attack. I'm a fighter and once I figure out (more awake) what's going on, I start commanding it to leave (stop), which it does. Shortly after, I fall back to sleep and wake up later with no residue of any sort.

I found this picture to show how it must feel in real life because I don't know any other way to describe it. The stream of "energy" is very intense. I sense all kinds of things, when this is going on, but the one that seems to be more constant is a laser gun from a UFO. I know, right? Jeez!

Later today, I started feeling that this came about because I had advised two people yesterday about some things they were going through regarding psychic attacks. Maybe someone didn't like my interference?

Oh well, just another day in the life of me. I figured I'd share it to see if anyone else has experienced anything similar.

Tribute: My Dad & Okinawa Gunto (The Last Major Battle of WWII)

Charles Oliver Jones

(Apr 16, 1926 - Apr 29, 2012)

This is a picture of my dad in 1944 by the Navy Ship LCI(L)-791/LC(FF)-791. His head is right in front of the lifesaving ring. I wanted to blog about this because 1) it was a tragic time in history and many people from this time period are gone, no longer able to share their knowledge, 2) history should be remembered so we don't repeat it, and 3) I lost some information he shared about it on Facebook, so I thought I'd see if anyone, seeing this blog, can add to the information of this event or ship. 

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This is what he wrote about being in the Navy during WWII: I spent 3 years in the Navy, attending Boot Camp, and Radioman's School at Bainbridge, Maryland. After graduation, I was assigned to the Amphibious Fleet, sent to Solomon's, Maryland for further training. After the training, the crew went to New York to put our ship in commission - LCI (L)791. Went back to Solomon's, Maryland for further training. After this training, we set sail for San Diego, California and more training. Left San Diego and headed for Oakland, California to be converted to a Flag Ship (converted from Landing Craft, Infantry (Large) -- LCI(L) to carry flag officers and crew) and we never had any troops aboard, after all the training. Left Oakland the first part of 1945 and headed for the Pacific Area of Operations. Our first stop was in Hawaii, leaving there went to different islands on our way to Leyte Bay, in the Philippines. Met up with a large group of Navy vessels and headed for Okinawa. Left Okinawa February 1946, headed for the States. Arrived San Francisco for processing, put on a troop train headed to the East Coast - Bainbridge, Maryland (full circle). Discharged on the 16th of March 1946 - three years and one day after I enlisted. I am now a civilian again. 

 

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My dad re-enlisted again in December 1947 and released in 1950, re-enlisted in 1953 to 1955, returned in 1956 and retired in August 1971. However, this is only about his first enlistment during WWII. He eventually told family and friends that it was a mission of no return. His ship was assigned to the Okinawa Gunto operation (minesweeping): assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto, 16 May to 30 June 1945 also known as Operation Iceberg. The men all knew they would be going over but also knew it may be a one way trip. If you read the history of it, you'll know why they felt this way. Thankfully they survived and did return. He said that they were also considered a "spunky, non-conformists crew that got the job done."

 

I surmise this was called the last major battle of WWII, which America was in, because the Battle of Iwo Jima (19 February – 26 March 1945), and others ended before this one.

More about the ship:

http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/15/150791.htm

More about the operation:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa

 

 

Lost Soul: I Was Blind ...

Many years ago, I had reviewed nearly the entire spectrum of spiritual belief systems, looking to find something I felt was lost within me, until I discover it was me I was looking for ... my soul. It wasn't something outside of me, it was me.

Once I knew this, and all it entailed, nothing else mattered. I felt free, similar to what a caterpillar must experience when it morphs into a butterfly. I knew why I've always liked butterflies and my associating them with freedom. It's similar to my association of cats and independence because, even though I've been dependent on people most my life, I've had a strong feeling of being independent. However, this was curbed by my feelings of logic and reasoning. These are a few of my feelings that I was able to eventually understand. 

My soul journeying also helped me understand the chaos in our world today. Many times, we have to tear down the old to build up the new. It's always difficult to change because of ego and our fear of the unknown or of letting go. It helped release me of those fears. It helped me understand eternity, as well as understanding me and why I felt as I did. It gave me peace of mind, which helps during troubling times. It helped me feel sympathy for those who haven't been fortunate to know what I know. It opened my eyes to see the world differently. I was no longer a lost soul in a world of many lost souls. As the saying goes: I was blind but now I see.

Judge not, that ye be not judged?

I've been reading how people are overusing the word judging again or more appropriately misusing it. I dont think anyone is judging by voicing their opinion. It's only calling it like you see it, based on discernment.

I see a cat being mean to a dog, that's what I'll call it, as well as intervene. But who am I to judge? Maybe the dog was mean first. See?

However, if I see someone mocking someone, due to being prejudice, that is how I see it. If I point it out, it's because I'm saying what I see.

If someone is being flippant, and I don't like it, maybe it's only right to point it out. They may not know they're being flippant.

If someone is being hypocritical, maybe they should be reminded of how it felt when the shoe was on the other foot.

If someone is being arrogant, it should be important to point this out too, especially if you care about them. Why would anyone want someone they care about to remain arrogant?

None of this is judging, as long as hate isn't in your heart. Of course, it's still important to be kind too, because we don't know what provoked any scenario. Besides, if someone calls me out for mocking, being prejudice, flippant, a hypocrite or arrogant, than God bless them for showing me the way.

I'll remember to do likewise.

Biproducts of a Decline in Humanity's Self Worth

I've always wondered about attacks on children. Why them? Are we not protecting them enough or is it just an animal mentality of attacking the weak or innocent? Maybe this is why I received this epiphany recently. It was not only about the physical and psychic attacks on our children, but humanities double standards and the decline of self worth, leading to other declines. It was so far fetched, it was believable. It certainly opened my eyes in how far back this insanity has gone on and how we've learned to make excuses over it. No, it's not applicable to everything and everyone, and by no means the only reason, but a large enough portion to be a concern. Below is what I received and the ensuing conversation with guidance. 

 

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Generally, most parents, in a civilized country (or home), try to raise their children under a blanket of protection. They tell children they're not allowed to watch an inappropriate movie, not to talk disrespectfully, be polite to others, no profanity allowed, be kind and considerate, and all sorts of things we consider wrong for our children but okay for adults. In fact, we insist they get out and play, watch cartoons and share with siblings and/or friends because that's the right thing to do. On the most part, they are to have fun, while learning, because they'll be "grownups" soon enough.

 

Then the hammer drops. They start growing up, seeing and hearing the real world of hate, vulgarity and violence; some becoming desensitized zombies in the process of their adulthood. Some feeling they're being dragged down and into this strange adult world by those who have already learned to feel unworthy. Mostly based on their disconnection of childhood memories, which they were taught was proper behavior but now it's not. Tossed in a storm of deceit because, apparently, proper and respectful living is only for children. The double standards starts chipping away at their life and the darkness starts to rear it's ugly head. Nostalgia may lead to depression and the attacks to themselves or others begin. All due to an unconscious resentment towards what some once had but feel they cannot recapture. They attack due to hate and jealousy which manifests into physical and mental health attacks ... including from the unseen. They've lost their ability to see their self worth. 

 

Without a doubt, these emotions have also led into the attacks of some while still children, which still creates a path of worthlessness. In this case, it starts earlier than later. 

 

Guidance even stated that it's become so bad that some adults are unconsciously trying to rectify things without understanding the reasons behind what they do. They have elected to teach their children to be adults, while still young, with all the impropriety that entails. This, sadly, has caused more turmoil instead of less; good mental health is on a decline along with intellectual reasoning. As mentioned above, a decline in self worth can fuel this.

 

Also, guidance reminded me, while we were discussing this epiphany: "Many teachers were sent here to teach love and self worth and were attacked too. The lack of some adult's self worth is so strong they couldn't see their salvation being given to them as a gift. In fact, like wanting to attack the innocence of children, due to resentment, they wanted to seek revenge against the teachers too. After all, many may reason that these teachers, like the children, must be more worthy. Since they feel no worth, cannot see the gift being offered, they attack because that's all they know how to do now. It's easier for some to attack and try to bring another down to their level than rising above it."

 

Yes, it may seem far-fetched but these troubles are deep within many and a major reason why many children are targeted; those children who have been attacked physically and mentally, including physical and mental illnesses. Yes, these are thoughts in the universe that can permeate into anyone's mind. Yes, it appears to be a never ending story; a repetitive battle. Yes, it's insanity, and it's chaos. However, we allow ourselves to remain in the quagmire, or we allow ourselves to be pushed back into it, because it's become easier to do so. It's also become a perpetual revenge of what was lost but may also be feared. It's like attacking the light because we're more familiar with the dark. 

 

We attack adults due to hate of what we've become and they're a reminder. 

 

We attack children due to jealousy of what we lost and they're a reminder. 

 

We attack ourselves due to lacking love within.

 

We attack due to fear that we aren't worthy or someone else may be more worthy.

 

The "Authentic" Dylann Roof?

Okay, here's some thoughts that's been meandering in my mind today. Maybe some questions for intelligent debate ... for some deep thinking?

If people are allowed to be their authentic selves, and our thoughts create our reality, and there's no such thing as an "accident" in the universe, why wouldn't Dylann Roof fit under these categories?

How does one say what took place was right or wrong if the bigger picture isn't known? Is there a bigger picture? Did our thoughts create this? Did an all seeing God create this? If so, why was it created?

How do we know that what created this ideology of being authentic (our desires?) didn't create the desire within him to be the same? Can an invisible line be drawn for one but not another?

Can we put a degree of hurt on anyone just because death was involved? Isn't death only a physical thing and the soul is eternal? Isn't loss still a loss, even if it's a loss of an old way of thinking not just a life? Are we all guinea pigs in this bigger picture? After all, many people believe that Jesus was used, and his life given, for a bigger picture. Correct?

Is one to be allowed authenticity, due to their actions creating a worldwide controversy, yet another isn't?

Is our reasoning logical? Is our logic reasonable?

I'm not defending his actions, by any means, but remember the saying, be careful in what you ask for, because it may not go the way you think it should?

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This picture is a mugshot of Roof taken by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, June 18, 2015.

Ethnic Slurs

There's not one race that hasn't had an ethnic slur from another. This form of bullying is timeless. It's gone back thousands of years. It doesn't make it right but we don't need to keep empowering it. We have choices.

As my dad used to tell me, only the truth hurts. So if it's not the truth why would anyone allow themselves to feel hurt from it. Again, why keep empowering it? Isn't it time to change our attitude? Why keep allowing others to be bullies over ethnic slurs?

Even if it did hurt, because you felt it was the truth, you don't have to own it or let them see you care. I taught my kids to jokingly agree with someone when they're called a name. To not wear their heart on their sleeve. To not be overly sensitive. Many times, agreeing, with humor, takes the fire out of the fight.

After all, do you really care what bullies say? Do they care about you? Do they enhance your life in any way? Why care about what they say about you? Everyone has flaws. People will look for them within you because you allow it. People will pick at your flaws if you allow them. Don't allow it.

They're the ones that need help. Don't let them project their hate of themselves onto you. They could have learned this behavior at home. If so, maybe you should feel sorry for them instead, because they just proved their lack of self worth to you. In that moment, with this understanding, they just empowered you. See?

List of Ethnic Slurs

https://wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ethnic_slurs

Acquiring Knowledge

Every now and then, I think back on something a relative said a long time ago to me. She told me that I was years ahead of my time. My spiritual teacher, at that time, told her very sternly: no, you're years behind time.

It made me realize how we can get stuck in a rut or drag our feet about changes or ideas. We get comfortable and refuse to budge. That's when we learn to change but it may be the hard way because we didn't pay attention to the directions or flow given to help us evolve.

That's when I also realized that allowing doesn't mean putting up with. I allow a lot but I won't put up with someone holding me back if I can help it. If I can't move away, than I just may need to drag them along with me.