Hiroshima Day event to take place despite COVID-19
On Thursday, Aug. 6th, 2020 the Kingston Hiroshima Day Coalition will mark the 75th anniversary of atomic weapons being turned on a civilian population for the first time, in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
This year’s event will be shorter than in years past, in order to keep the health and safety of participants in mind. The event will begin at 7:00pm and take place at McBurney Park. Attendees will be asked to wear masks and keep a physical distance from people outside of their normal circle. Hand sanitizer will be available.
“With over 13,000 nuclear weapons worldwide and escalating tension around the globe, it’s more important than ever to remember the horrors that weapons of mass destruction unleash on civilian populations,” reads this year’s news release. “August 6th and 9th, 1945 are remembered and mourned worldwide.”
Hiroshima Day ceremonies have been held in Kingston for nearly 40 years. This year’s event, while shortened, will feature music, time for reflection and actions that everyone can take to work toward peace.
“We have commemorated Hiroshima Day in Kingston for almost 40 years, states Suzanne Cliff-Jüngling. “We do this to remember both the horrific loss of life and the birth of the nuclear arms race. Many of those who worked on the first bombs’ production and those who actually dropped the bombs came to realize the tragedy of this invention and this action.”
“Today nine nations possess nuclear weapons,” Cliff-Jüngling continues. “The Doomsday Clock is set to 100 seconds before midnight: the closest we have ever been to global annihilation according the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. We gather every August 6 to reaffirm our support for nuclear disarmament and to make a personal commitment to work for peace in the upcoming year.”
Kingston Hiroshima Day
- When: Thursday, August 6, 2020
- Time: 7:00 pm start
- Place: McBurney Park
- Website: http://www.hiroshimadaykingston.ca/