It is far more beautiful and I see a great future growth in tourism as a result.įor his part, Van Kirk stressed that the mission to Japan and everything behind it was worthwhile. “I didn’t know what quite to expect, but everything so far is great. It was the closest we could get to Japan, and that played a big role in turning the war around.”Īs for his return to the island, Jeppson said he had been anticipating the trip. “Many in the world do not realize what was made possible due to the events in the Marianas,” he said. Jeppson, for his part, stressed that importance of the role Mariana Islands played in the outcome of the war. Scholars have proven, and it is evident that the bomb turned the tide.” My one objective after I was briefed was to convince the Japanese of the futility to continue to fight, and I think that’s what we did with the Nagasaki bomb. Tibbets spoke of the bombing of Nagasaki and its effect on the war, saying, “What we did when we came here was we joined the side of the underdogs, and I always love moving in and trying to help the underdog in any way that I could. I wanted you to see me and make your opinion on who and what you think I am,” he said. But then I realized that I owe you people here something. “When I was first invited to come here, I said I didn’t want to go. Tibbets, who spoke briefly at the Veterans of Foreign Wars-Department of Pacific Areas 38th Annual Convention at the Dai-ichi Hotel Saipan Beach, commented on his return journey. The people are nice and very peace loving.” “Before it was just a big mass of war machinery and thousands of planes sitting around on the various field, and now it’s built into a very beautiful and lovely island. “I am amazed at the changes,” said Van Kirk. With music from the ’40s in the background and cameras flashing before their eyes, the WWII celebrities walked from the arrival gate to the baggage claim area and out, to be greeted by numerous individuals who want a glimpse at their World War II heroes.