Hannah Edwards

The Soldier Who Forgave Hannah Edwards

Students preserved the story of a local veteran and learned that Leland Chandler suffered terribly during the war. He was born in a small Illinois farming town on January 3, 1923. World War II was calling his name and at age of 18, he enlisted in the army and sailed to the Philippine Islands. The military was sure the Japanese would be attacking soon because they were buzzing with activity. Leland's unit fought with all their might but was forced to surrender on May 6, 1942. It was a horrible scene for these men and women who stayed to defend this area. Even the brave nurses who stayed were brutally tortured by the Japanese. All prisoners were taken to Cabanatuan Camps in Manila by ship. There, they were forced to march through the streets so the Japanese would show the nationals how strong and powerful they were. Then, the prisoners were placed on ships going to Japan, which were so crowded that there was no room move. The Japanese stuffed the prisoners into these "hell ships" where it was difficult to move or breathe. Leland had a terrible experience in the Pacific and came home with many wounds on his body, his mind and his soul. At first he didn't think he could ever forgive the enemy for what they did to him and to others. He came to believe that it was better for him to let go of his awful thoughts and emotions. He learned to forgive.