On the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, a solemn ceremony took place in the Japanese city, with doves released as a powerful symbol of peace. The event honoured the tens of thousands who perished in the devastating attack on August 9, 1945, and served as a poignant reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare.
A City Remembered
Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki addressed the crowd, emphasising the city's ongoing commitment to peace. "We must never forget the suffering caused by nuclear weapons," he stated, urging world leaders to pursue disarmament. Survivors, known as hibakusha, shared emotional testimonies, their voices trembling as they recounted the horrors they endured.
Global Calls for Peace
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida echoed these sentiments, calling for a world free of nuclear threats. The ceremony came just days after a similar event in Hiroshima, where the first atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. Together, the bombings claimed over 200,000 lives and left lasting scars on Japan's collective memory.
As the doves took flight, attendees observed a moment of silence at 11:02 AM—the exact time the bomb detonated. The birds, long associated with peace, soared above the city's rebuilt skyline, a stark contrast to the devastation wrought decades ago.
Looking to the Future
Nagasaki continues to advocate for nuclear non-proliferation, with many hoping its tragic past can inspire change. "We must ensure no city ever suffers as we did," one survivor implored. The ceremony concluded with renewed vows to work towards a peaceful future, ensuring the lessons of Nagasaki are never forgotten.
