Photos and article by Shirin McArthur
Twenty-five members and friends of the Gila Friends Meeting (Quaker) gathered at the Gough Park pavilion on Sunday, August 3, to commemorate the upcoming 69th anniversary of the first wartime detonation of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945), Japan.
There was a period of silent prayer and reflection, holding the victims of all wars in compassionate remembrance, followed by statements made by those present, addressing a number of issues related to war and peace. People traveled from as far away as Las Cruces to participate, bringing with them two strings of peace doves made by children at a peace camp in the Las Cruces area.
2014 Hiroshima Peace Day
2014 Hiroshima Peace Day Observance
The group sits in silent prayer and remembrance.
2014 Hiroshima Peace Day Observance
Individuals spoke on issues of war and peace and about work the next generation is doing.
2014 Hiroshima Peace Day Observance
Individuals spoke on issues of war and peace and about work the next generation is doing.
2014 Hiroshima Peace Day Observance
Peace cranes, made by children, blow in the breeze.
2014 Hiroshima Peace Day Observance
People discuss the issues afterward.
