Hiroshima Remembrance Day
August 6, 2023 is the 78th anniversary of the exploding of the first deployed atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Japan, and another over Nagasaki on August 9. While effectively ending World War II, it came at a terrible price. More than 200,000 people eventually died – mostly civilians.
As we join others raising awareness of not only the past horrors of war, but also the continuing dangers of nuclear weapons and the need for their abolition in the future, we’ve curated a few links to resources for your deeper reflection, including ways you can take action.
Many of us are familiar with the story of Sadako and the Thousand Cranes, and its association with the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that claimed so many lives. Learn more about the young Sadako Sasaki and her legacy of hope for a world at peace.
Sadako Sasaki’s story by Coventry City of Peace & Reconciliation (UK)
National Park Service - Sadako Sasaki story
Folding a paper crane is one way for you to reflect and share a desire for a world without nuclear weapons. The folks at #Cranes for Our Future encourage you to fold your own origami crane, and share on social media, joining so many others. Learn more about their vision and mission and how you can take part.
Watch their invitational video
This video instruction (on their site) for folding your crane is so helpful!
If you are aware of the story of Sadako, you may not be as familiar with another touching and inspiring post-Hiroshima story with children at its center. The story of the generous actions (in 1947) of All Souls Church (Unitarian) in Washington, DC and the grateful response of Japanese schoolchildren is the subject of “Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard,” a documentary about the Hiroshima Children’s Drawings. (View the trailer)
Read more about this story, and see other resources at Unitarian Universalist Association Hiroshima Day Resources.
See some of the drawings - gallery