The 39th annual Atomic Cities Peace Memorial ceremony, commemorating the Nagasaki atomic bombing and sponsored by World Citizens for Peace, will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 8:00 p.m., in the Activity Room of the Richland Community Center at 500 Amon Park Drive.
The one-hour program of song, speech and prayer will remember the past with hope for the future. Highlight of the ceremony is ringing of the “Bell of Peace” model – a gift from the mayor of Nagasaki to the city of Richland on the 40th anniversary of the atomic bombing. The “Bell of Peace” is a model of a bell that was recovered from the ruins of a church at ground zero in Nagasaki.
In accordance with the Memorial’s theme of reconciliation, the “Bell of Peace” is rung in memory of those who died on both sides of the war – the Americans who died at Pearl Harbor as well as the Japanese who died in Nagasaki. Because of Richlanders’ historic role in producing the plutonium that fueled the Nagasaki atomic bomb, the “Bell of Peace” model uniquely symbolizes the spirit of reconciliation.
The public is invited.
PLEASE NOTE: If fully vaccinated for Covid, masks are optional. If not, wear a mask and socially distance.