80th Hiroshima, Nagasaki Anniversary Marked Across US Cities

The 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was solemnly commemorated across various U.S. cities and in Japan, emphasizing remembrance, peace, and the ongoing dangers of nuclear weapons. In Seattle, the “From Hiroshima to Hope” event featured the release of 1,000 lanterns on Green Lake, with survivors like Norimitsu Tosu sharing personal stories of loss and resilience, highlighting the importance of educating younger generations. In Boston, attendees gathered for a reflective ceremony on Dewey Square, where peace activists warned about current nuclear threats, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and honored survivors such as Midori Morrow’s grandmother, Ruuko, who suffered lasting effects from radiation exposure. Iowa veterans and historians contributed perspectives on the bombings' complex legacy, with WWII veteran Corbin Roger defending the decision to use the atomic bomb as a means to save lives, while acknowledging the deep scars left by the war. In San Francisco, two Hiroshima survivors were honored and shared their hopes for peace during the anniversary ceremony. These commemorations collectively underscore a commitment to remembering the past to prevent the repetition of such tragedies and to advocate for a nuclear-free future.