Hiroshima Day 2016

Hiroshima Day 2017

Hastings Against War will commemorate those who lost their lives in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 with a ceremony at the boating lake in Alexandra Park on Sunday 6 August. An estimated 185,000 people perished when US airforce planes bombed the cities, dying as a result of the initial blast, due to fires sparked by the bombs, and as a result of radiation-sickness caused by the explosions. John Enefer writes.

The attacks on the Japanese cities continue to be controversial, partly because so many leading US military figures of the period have contradicted the idea that the bombings were essential to end World War 2, the usual justification for the attacks. Admiral William Leahy, Chief of Staff to President Truman, said after the war: ‘the use of this barbarous weapon… was of no material assistance in our war against Japan…wars cannot be won by destroying women and children.’

The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain the only occasions when nuclear weapons have been used in war and those gathered in Alexandra Park will hope they will be the last.

The ceremony will come soon after UN negotiations ended on the drawing up of a treaty aimed at banning nuclear weapons. A majority of nations – 122 – are committed to this process. The UK government did not contribute to the negotiations in New York.

In Alexandra Park there will be a short programme before, at sunset, floating lanterns will be released on the lake in the traditional Japanese style. Everyone is welcome to attend the free event, which begins at 8.15pm.

On Tuesday 1 August, the lanterns will be made at the Quaker Meeting House, South Terrace. Again, all are welcome to attend. No special skills or artistic ability are required! The lantern making will begin at 7.00pm.

Hiroshima Day 2016

Also in: The HOT Planet