“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 ofHiroshima: Reflections on Reconciliation & FriendshiponUUA International.
Read the related story Peacemaking in Partnership for more information on this multigenerational, interfaith pilgrimage