Aug. 6 Tip: Learn about A-Bomb Commemoration Ceremonies in Hiroshima

Learn about A-Bomb Commemoration Ceremonies in Hiroshima

(The August 6 Compassionate Living Tip from Interfaith Paths to Peace)

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/festival/hiroshimapeacecrmn.html

On August 6th, 1945, an American bomber dropped the world's first atomic bomb over Hiroshima City. The entire city was devastated by the heat and shock waves of the blast, producing numerous civilian casualties.

On this day, the Peace Memorial Ceremony (free entry) is held in front of the Hiroshima Peace City Memorial Monument erected in the Peace Memorial Park to appease the souls of those killed by the atomic bomb and to pray for eternal peace on Earth. During this ceremony, the Peace Declaration, appealing for the abolition of nuclear weapons and for the realization of eternal world peace, is delivered by the Mayor of Hiroshima City and is transmitted worldwide.

At 8:15 a.m., which is the exact time when the atomic bomb was dropped, the Peace Bell is rung and citizens, either at the ceremony, at home, or at work offer silent prayers for one minute for the repose of the souls of the atomic bomb victims and for peace.