The children associated war with planes and guns and peace was associated with no war. Both very over simplified views. Perhaps it is just a young age and lack of experience of the young people and the fact that many old soldiers will not tell their true feelings so that most people have too few facts on which to base their conclusions. Sharing only a portion of events doesn't present the truth and leads to misconceptions. Eberhard Weber, I won't excuse your story about visiting the battle grounds of the Pacific because I think it is the type of thing that more people should hear.
War has an enormous impact.
Today we are being told that the U. S. didn't push for the return of gold to the victims of the Holocaust in part because the politicians were impacted by the hot war and were involved in the Cold War with the inference that they knew what was right but feared something more wrong. WWII is still with us today and if someone doesn't go to the true meaning of the lessons that can be learned humanity will never benefit from the sacrifices and will not become more humane. Instead, they will inflict more pain and suffering on people with bigger and more powerful weapons. Your comment are powerful, just as the experience was on you. I know it wasn't easy nor is it easy to hear and reflect upon, but something we must do.