To Transform Atomic Legacy

On the 69th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that ended Japanese involvement in the Second World War, we re-post excepts from this story by members of All Souls Church, Unitarian youth group (Washington, DC) who are participating on the Heiwa Peace Pilgrimage originally appearing on UUA International, the blog of international program office of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Hiroshima: Reflections on Reconciliation & Friendship

“Obama will say, ‘I’m sorry.’ This I hope. I hope…” These were the words of a Hiroshima resident who approached a member of our group last night… Sadly, at the top levels of our government no such words have been spoken, no such forgiveness asked. Even so, the people of Hiroshima and of Japan have greeted us with a nearly inexplicable hospitality… Our day began fittingly, under a steady downpour making our way to join over 45,000 others in Hiroshima Peace Park for the annual commemoration. Grade school children offered wishes for peace. The Japanese prime minister offered condolences and renewed calls for the elimination of nuclear weapons. Gray and black birds flew overhead, disappearing into the trees that surrounded the rows of endless white folding chairs… Read the full text of Hiroshima: Reflections on Reconciliation & Friendship on UUA International. Read the related story Peacemaking in Partnership for more information on this multigenerational, interfaith pilgrimage