Hiroshima Peace Park
Hastings to Hiroshima
On 2 October, Hastings residents will have a chance to hear a first-hand report of an epic Peace Walk undertaken during the summer in Japan. The account will be given by peace activist and Hollington Councillor, Maya Evans, who joined the walk. John Enefer writes.
It began on the Japanese island of Okinawa and ended in Hiroshima, the site of the first use of an atomic bomb in warfare. Okinawa has been a significant island to the US military since the Second World War, but its ongoing presence there is controversial.
Recently about 70,000 Okinawans protested against the relocation of a US Marine Corps base on the island; a base they want removed from their island home. If the base is constructed it would cause environmental destruction with the creation of a landfill site in a coral bay, which is home to endangered marine mammals. The Deputy Governor of Okinawa, speaking at the recent protest, said he planned to legally block the construction of the landfill site.
The Peace walk culminated in Hiroshima Peace Park and a ceremony of remembrance on Hiroshima Day (6 August). Maya said: ‘Hiroshima is the site of one of the worst war crimes ever committed. At 8.15am on the 6th August 1945, an atomic bomb was released on the city and it became a living hell, 140,000 lives instantly evaporated. For that reason it is now a centre for peace and compassion, a beacon where people can learn about the importance of humanity. Hiroshima is a proud city which holds itself up to the rest of the world and says: “Never again”.’
In her talk, Maya will trace the links between the US presence in Okinawa and the ongoing war in Afghanistan, a country she has visited numerous times.
Talking to local government
Hastings to Hiroshima by Maya Evans: A talk taking place on Tuesday 2 October at the Quaker Meeting House, South Terrace, Hastings, beginning at 7pm. The venue is wheelchair accessible and everyone is welcome to attend. The event is free.
The talk has been organised by Hastings Against War. The group has been active since 2003 and meets at the Quaker Meeting House on the first Tuesday of every month. All are welcome to attend.
Washington Post: Okinawa Protest: Thousands rally for removal of US military base.
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