Remembering the 67th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

As the Ohta River enters Hiroshima, it splits into six fingers. It was to these waters that ten of thousands fled seeking shelter from the flames of the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. It is here each August that people gather, as they do in Nagasaki three days later, to float lanterns and to remember: never again.

Since 1985 Rochester has commemorates the event in an annual Peace Lantern Floating Ceremony. We remember those days to remind ourselves of what we are capable of doing. With nuclear weapons we are capable of destroying the world’s civilization. We are also capable of preventing that destruction. We gather to remind ourselves that the choice is ours.

Because of the Fukushima tragedy, this year’s program will also look at nuclear power: “Too cheap to meter” or “Every dose an overdose”?

WHERE: East picnic shelter at Silver Lake

WHEN: Wednesday, August 8th, 6:30pm If heavy rain, event will be held in West shelter at Silver Lake

7:00pm: Gather to make lanterns; materials and instructions for making lanterns will be provided.

7:30pm: Ceremony followed by lantern floating at sunset.

SPEAKERS: Mayor Ardell Brede and Mark Frederickson

Music: Campfire ll and Omni Drummers

Check these web sites for information and suggested actions. www.nirs.org, www.nukewatch.org

Everyone is welcome!!