Year 1945.
A young boy was carrying his dead brother on his back to bury him.
An army officer, noticing the boy, said, “Put the body down, son. It’s too heavy.”
The boy immediately replied in a firm voice,
“He’s not heavy, he’s my brother.”
It took the officer a few moments to grasp the meaning of those words.
When he finally understood, tears streamed down his face.
The story spread throughout Japan in no time.
And the boy’s simple yet profound words became Japan’s national slogan:
“He’s not a burden, he’s my brother (or sister).”
If your brother or sister falls, help them up.
If they are weak or struggling, stand beside them.
If they make mistakes, forgive them.
And if the world abandons them — lift them onto your back.
Because they are not a burden — they are your brother or sister.
