In Nagasaki, Japan, the twin cathedral bells of Immaculate Conception cathedral rang in unison for the first time in 80 years on Saturday, marking the anniversary of the atomic bombing that devastated the city. This moment of remembrance, held at 11:02 am, the exact time of the bomb’s detonation, included a renewed bell constructed with funds from U.S. churchgoers after the original was damaged. The ceremony emphasized peace, with Nagasaki’s mayor urging the world to halt armed conflicts, highlighting the ongoing threat of nuclear war and the importance of remembering the victims and the city’s history. The event, spearheaded by an American professor whose grandfather worked on the Manhattan Project, symbolized unity, with nearly 100 countries participating, and was a powerful testament to the resilience of the community.
Read More
Eighty years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, surviving Japanese citizens express mounting frustration over global leaders’ acceptance of nuclear weapons. Many survivors, after years of silence due to trauma and fear of discrimination, are now speaking out. They are sharing their experiences and advocating for nuclear disarmament, hoping to raise awareness, particularly among younger generations and foreigners. These survivors, such as Kunihiko Iida and Fumiko Doi, are dedicating their lives to educating others and warning against the devastating consequences of nuclear war.
Read More
I don’t think anybody should be invited to an A-bomb peace ceremony! It’s supposed to be a solemn occasion to reflect on the devastating effects of nuclear warfare and remember the lives lost in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. So, when I heard that the mayor of Nagasaki stated that Israel would not be invited to the annual peace ceremony, I wasn’t entirely surprised.
The mayor mentioned that the decision was not politically motivated but rather a way to ensure that the ceremony could proceed smoothly without any unexpected disruptions, such as protests. However, it does raise the question of whether it is appropriate to exclude a country, especially one currently involved in a conflict, from an event focused on promoting peace.… Continue reading
As I sit and reflect on the recent remarks made by U.S. officials justifying the August 1945 atomic bombings in Japan, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of unease. Lindsey Graham’s suggestion that Israel drop a nuclear bomb on Gaza as a solution to its problems is not only outrageous but also extremely irresponsible. The comparison to the U.S. dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II is concerning, to say the least. While some may argue that the bombings were necessary to end the war swiftly and save lives, it is important to remember the human cost of such actions.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker