HISTORICAL NOTE

This work of fiction is set on the island of Saipan during World War II, in the spring of 1944. It does not tell the story of a real-life Carolinian (Repagúnúworh/Rapaganor, Refaluwasch/Rafalawash), Chamorro or Japanese boy and his family. But the major events are true, and they represent the history of many families caught in the terrible crossfire of invasion and resistance. The Japanese defended the island almost to the last living soldier. Foreign workers from Korea and Okinawa were rounded up and exterminated. American forces bombarded relentlessly, attacking first the southern shores, and then advancing across the length of the island to the northern cliffs.

Many indigenous families tried to survive the invasion by hiding in caves located high along the steep, heavily wooded hillsides. Many were killed—sometimes outright, sometimes by sniper fire, sometimes by mistake. All suffered from terrible thirst and hunger. Young men and boys would sneak out at night to find food and water, often returning with nothing. Often they did not return at all.

When it became apparent to the Japanese that the American forces would prevail, all Japanese citizens, military and civilians—men, women, and children—were marched to the northern end of the island to a precipice that plummets straight down for more than 800 feet. Some were marched to Bonzai Cliff and forced to leap into the sea. Families lined up, youngest to oldest, walking backwards until they stepped, or were pushed, over the cliff’s edge. From helicopters, American soldiers dropped leaflets and broadcast messages urging people not to jump but to surrender. These reassurances had little effect; hundreds leapt to their deaths. That precipice is now known as Suicide Cliff.

Families that were captured were taken to a refugee camp located in the area called Susupe. Native families (Rafalawash, Rapaganor, and Chamorros) were kept in an area separate from Japanese civilians and prisoners of war. For two years these families were confined within the camp until Liberation Day, July 4, 1946.

More than thirty thousand people died during the battles on Saipan and neighboring Tinian. Many others died caught in the crossfire on other islands of the western Pacific. From these captured islands Americans then made air strikes against Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki. Island nations continued to suffer after the war because of the extent of deforestation, radioactive contamination, and destruction of natural plant and animal life.

Today, on these same islands, Asian and American tourists play on pristine white sand beaches in front of luxury hotels. The blood of the many lives lost has washed away. May the memory of their struggles and tragic deaths not wash away. May the courage of those who survived always be remembered.

Memorials along these suicide cliffs entreat:

Better to light one candle than curse the darkness.

May we live together in peace.

TO SEE, PEACE

After darkness

We see

What had been

Un-seeable.