Our guest on Writers' Voices this week will be Jerry Yellin, author of "Of War and Weddings" and "The Blackened Canteen", and co-founder of LISCO. Mr. Yellin was an honored fighter pilot in the 1940s. In "The Blackened Canteen", he tells the story of how the compassion of one Japanese man toward fallen American soldiers, lead to a traditional day of prayer for peace.

Of this story, Yoko Ono says, "Having campaigned for peace for many years, this beautiful story strikes a deep chord with me. I hope it will become more widely known around the world and inspire other people too."

Family member of one of the fallen American airmen, George O'Connor writes, "...The Blackened Canteen tells that story in a beautifully human way, shedding light not only on the horrors and sacrifice of warfare, but also on the incredible humane efforts of people like Fukumatsu Itoh, who after witnessing the bombing of his city still found the moral decency and courage to ensure the 'genteel and respectful burial' of his nation's enemies. This story has allowed the surviving members of my family to find inner peace that eluded us for many years."