Hiroshima/Nagasaki Memorial - August 6
Lanterns for Peace - Hiroshima/Nagasaki Memorial - August 6
(For a report on Lanterns for Peace from Peace Alliance Winnipeg, which includes sound files of the speakers, visit http://www.peacealliancewinnipeg.ca/2008/08/lanterns-for-peace-2008/)
On the 63rd anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, Winnipeggers gathered at Memorial park to commemorate those who died in the only use of atomic weapons against humanity. Above left, creating lanterns with messages of peace. Above right, lanterns floating at sunset.
The program began and ended with violinist Jason Hirose.
The province of Manitoba and city of Winnipeg were represented by the Hon. Rob Altemeyer, MLA (Wolseley), and Councillor Harvey Smith (Daniel McIntyre).
Judge Art Miki (past president of the National Association of Japanese Canadians) highlighted the importance of commemorating August 6, especially remembering the lives of civilians lost in wars past and present.
Three of the event organizers. Terumi Kuwada (Manitoba Japanese Canadian Citizen's Associaiton) told the story of Sadako. Glenn Michalchuk (Peace Alliance Winnipeg) read the Peace Declaration given by Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba of Hiroshima the morning of August 6, 2008. Kirsten Freed (Project Peacemakers) served as MC, and is seen here chatting with a lantern maker.
