War is Over

by Lisa Coleman

On March 10, 1974, Lt. Hiroo Onada was the last World War II Japanese soldier to surrender. Onada had been left on the island Lubang in the Philippines on December 25, 1944, with the command to “carry on the mission even if Japan surrenders.” Four other Japanese soldiers were left on the island as Japan evacuated Lubang. One soldier surrendered in 1950. Another was killed in a skirmish with local police in 1954. Another was killed in 1972. Onada continued his war alone.

All efforts to convince him to surrender or to capture him failed. He ignored messages from loudspeakers announcing Japan’s surrender and that Japan was now an ally of the United States. Leaflets were dropped over the jungle begging him to surrender so he could return to Japan. He refused to believe or surrender.

Over the years he lived off the land and raided the fields and gardens of local citizens. He was responsible for killing at least 30 nationals during his 29-year personal war. Almost a half million dollars was spent trying to locate and convince him to surrender. 13,000 men were used to try to locate him.

Finally, on March 10, 1974, almost 30 years after World War II ended, Onada surrendered his rusty sword after receiving a personal command from his former superior officer, who read the terms of the cease-fire order. Onada handed his sword to President Marcos, who pardoned him. The war was over.

Onada was 22 years old when left on the island. He returned a prematurely aged man of 52. Onada stated, “Nothing pleasant happened in the 29 years in the jungle.” Source: Summarized from a 1974 story in Newsweek

Hiroo Onada was helplessly fighting, hopeless in his lonely battle. Yet the war ended 29 years prior. There had been years of peace and reconciliation set in. Just not for him as he refused to hear the message. We too used to be at war with God, enemies of our Creator. We now have access to Him and are reconciled to God through the death of His Son. Paul opens chapter five of Romans reminding us of our peace with God through Jesus Christ. Join us this Sunday for the study!

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Follow this link to find other studies in this series: TRANSFORMED: Knowing & Doing God’s Will.