Commemorating a low point in human history is a tough call.
Seventy years ago, we dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On August 6 and 9 1945, over 100,000 people suffered horrific deaths. Surely part of our common humanity died as well, as we witnessed our dreadful potential to destroy ourselves and our planet.
So, on August 6, 2015 we’re going to gather together in various places and remember this WW II event.
In Toronto there is a well-organized event you can attend. Ron Korn will play flute, Taiko Drummers will drum, Raging Grannies will rage and Pax Christi Chorale will sing three short pieces, one in English, one in German, and one in Japanese.
We’ll keep silence.
We’ll also listen to speaker Paul Dewar MP, co-president of Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation & Disarmament.
Finally we’ll take part in a processional ceremony with lanterns.
If you’re free Thursday evening, we will be at Holy Trinity Church near the Eaton Centre downtown beginning around 6:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. It’s hosted by this group and all the info is here: Hiroshima Day
The evening will remember victims of war, and will hopefully spark some confidence that despite our terrible past, our diverse community of respectful people in Toronto can live, work and play together in tolerance and peace.