Remembrance

 January 15, 2015

Tsunami-hit patrol car to be preserved

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/nuclear.html

Nuclear & Energy

Jan. 15, 2015 - Updated 13:45 UTC+1

A town in northeastern Japan is moving to preserve a patrol car hit by the March 2011 tsunami in order to pass on the memory of the disaster to future generations.

Two officers in the car were guiding residents of Tomioka Town in Fukushima Prefecture to safety when tsunami triggered by the massive earthquake struck. One officer died and the other is still missing.

The damaged car was originally to be disposed of as waste. But the town decided last month to preserve it in response to requests from local residents.

On Thursday, town officials, residents, and police officers gathered in front of the car and observed a moment of silence.

Then the car was checked for radiation levels and its inside was cleaned before being transported on a truck to an automobile factory for washing and rust-proofing treatment.

The car will be placed at a park near the town's police station in early March.

Dai Fujita is one of the residents who submitted petitions to have the car preserved. He said he wanted it preserved in the need to remember the mission of the 2 officers and their thoughts. He said it's good to have a prayer site for both their families and fellow officers who come to Tomioka Town from other parts of the country to offer help.