| Toward a 21st Century Free from Nuclear Weapons Hiroshima's Day of Prayer 8/6/00
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"Toward a 21st Century Free from Nuclear Weapons and War." On August 6th, Hiroshima commemorated the 55th anniversary of the atomic bombing. It was Hiroshima's last day of prayer in the 20th century, the "century of war" that gave rise to nuclear weapons. Aging hibakusha start arriving at dawn in Peace Memorial Park near the city center to pray before the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims. "Let all the souls here rest in peace; for we shall not repeat the evil." The import of the pledge carved into that monument is now weightier than ever. |
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The A-bomb Dome, "Witness to the atomic bombing," stands next to the Motoyasu River in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City. On this "Day of prayer" 55 years after the atomic bombing, it still calls for lasting peace. (12:15 pm) |
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"Every year when August 6 rolls around, we come here to pray and give thanks for the happiness that is ours now." Kazunori Minato (62) and his wife Taeko (57) of Yoshijima 2-chome, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, bow their heads before the A-bomb Memorial Cenotaph in Peace Memorial Park. The Minatos did not experience the atomic bombing. (12:45 pm) |
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"We wanted to pay our respects today, but we like to avoid the Peace Memorial Ceremony." Minsei Takeda (68) and his wife Shinobu (63), of Tenma-cho, Nishi Ward, Hiroshima City, are survivors. (1:05 am) |
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On the grounds of Saikoji Temple next to Peace Memorial Park, Yoshiro Tanabe (63) of Koihigashi 2-chome, Nishi Ward, Hiroshima City prays with his wife for the repose of the souls of his father and older sister, who perished in the atomic bombing. (5:25 am) |
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Bereaved family members and other mourners, a total of 50,000 attend the Peace Memorial Ceremony (8:00 am) |
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At 8:15 am, the time the bomb exploded, those
attending the ceremony bow their heads for
a moment of silent prayer for the peaceful
repose of the victims and lasting world peace. PEACE DECLARATION 2000 |
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"We want to learn what we can do for peace in the future." Here and there around Peace Memorial Park, groups of junior high school students listen to survivors tell their stories. (9:55 am) |
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Despite the fierce heat, people came in a continuous flow to offer their respects at the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims in Peace Memorial Park. (2:15 pm) |
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The "A-bomb witness" was surrounded by Peace Candles. On the 55th "A-bomb Day," people renewed their vows to work for lasting peace. (7:25 pm) |
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"Spirits, rest in peace. "Colorful commemorative lanterns were cast onto the Motoyasu River, where on that day so many victims came for water, only to die. This ritual ended the 20th century's final day of prayer. (7:35 pm) |
