As President Obama's term is coming to an end, he is finishing up his final acts as President. In one of his bravest acts I believe yet, he acted as the first sitting President to visit Hiroshima. The first nuclear attack that started the nuclear age, and killed 140,000 people happened seven decades ago, and in its place sits a memorial where President Obama visited last week. He signed the guest book, and made motions towards Japan's Prime Minister to move the world into a place where no nuclear weapons exist.
What made President Obama's act so brave and a good example of his character was what he said when he visited the grounds. Instead of apologizing or questioning President Harry Truman's decision, Obama simply reflected on the devastating act, acknowledged the toll it took on Japan, and placed a wreath at the centopath. From there he looked forward, telling the Prime Minister that we must do better.
This is such a brave act simply for the reason that when he visited the grounds, as the first sitting President, he didn't apologize or question the President before him, but instead stood behind his actions, and finally, he chose to move forward. While it seems like such a small feat, as one of his last acts as President, I think it was very brave. Obama chose to be the first President to acknowledge the damage Americans had done to Japan, and that itself takes courage. He also did not question Truman's decision, but instead he stood behind him as a fellow President like a student would for a fellow peer. It showed how dedicated and passionate he is for America and the past Presidents. He also placed a wreath and signed a guest book which I believe took humility and bravery. He chose to be the first President to acknowledge the damage, visit the grounds and give his respects, and finally to look forward with Japan in hopes of a world without nuclear weapons. Many other Presidents haven't visited these grounds for what I believe is to avoid the awkwardness that comes with visiting a country where America has once destroyed. With 140,000 people losing their lives, it can be a bit awkward to visit and acknowledge the damage. This is where President Obama's biggest act of bravery is shown. He went back, visited the damage, and acknowledged the past, but chose to move forward. In a world where hiding from a past mistake is more common, President Obama rose above for his final acts.
While many people have criticized President Obama and his presidency, I believe no matter what background or views you come from, this act is one that shows his good character and the pride he carries for his country.
