August 6th and 9th marked the 75th anniversaries of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In a time of global pandemic and growing dangers of nuclear war, these solemn dates were commemorated with events around the world, both live and virtual.
United for Peace & Justice was pleased to join with more than 160 organizations to coordinate two full days of unprecedented virtual programming, August 6th and 9th, featuring local events nationwide and highlighting the stories of survivors. A remarkably diverse range of activists, experts and directly impacted communities wove together rallies, lectures, personal stories, film, poetry and art into a compelling national teach-in remembering the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki recommitting to working for a world free from nuclear threat.
The August 6th program began with a 90-minute virtual rally at the Livermore nuclear weapons laboratory in California, “From Hiroshima to a Healthy Tomorrow: Embracing Our Common Humanity”. The program featured Nagasaki survivor Rev. Nobu Hanaoka, historian Gar Alperovitz, author of the definitive book, “The Decision to Use the Atomic bomb”, and Daniel Ellsberg (who needs no introduction). The Call to Action was issued by UFPJ National Co-convener, Jackie Cabasso. Click here to watch the virtual rally.
Click here to see the full schedule of August 6th presentations and find a link to watch the video . Note that UFPJ Coordinating Committee member Andrew Lichterman spoke from 5:00 – 5:15 pm ET, on how we might explore the connections among the persistence of nuclear weapons, economic inequality, racism and the fossil fuel-based economy that drives climate change at the level of common causes. Here’s a direct link to Andy’s talk.
Click here to see the full schedule of August 9th presentations and find a link to watch the video. Note that Congresswoman Barbara Lee spoke from 1:15 – 1:20 pm ET, and Rev. Liz Theoharris, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival spoke from 8:20 – 8:30 pm. It’s well worth exploring both days’ full schedules for a wealth of valuable programming, including contributions from several UFPJ member groups.
At the international level, UFPJ’s National Coordinator, George Friday, was a featured speaker at Gensuikyo’s (Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs) online 2020 World Conference Against A and H bombs. Watch George’s powerful presentation starting around 1 hour 38 minutes.
In May, our colleagues at Gensuikyo launched an international grassroots campaign, “Peace Wave”, calling on individuals and groups around the world to undertake actions starting from Hiroshima at 8:15 am on Aug. 6th, the time the first U.S. atomic bomb was dropped, encircling the globe westward along with its rotation until 11:02 am on Aug. 9th, the time the second A-bomb was dropped over Nagasaki. Gensuikyo has produced an amazing compilation of 75th anniversary events around the world. Click here for links to the three volumes of Peace Wave News.
There’s still time to sign the Hibakusha Appeal. Survivors of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki invite you to support them by signing this global petition. More than 10 million signatures have already been collected! Add your name now. And demand that U.S. Federal Lawmakers pledge to eliminate nuclear weapons. Sign the petition here.
