Christchurch remembers Hiroshima and Nagasaki 79 years on

^{.......................... City Councillor Celeste Donovan rings the World Peace Bell on behalf of Christchurch..................................}

Last Sunday, Ōtautahi Christchurch came together to observe and remember the tragic atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that occurred 79 years ago.

We had a large turnout which was significant in light of New Zealand’s disappointing decision not to attend the 79^th anniversary commemorations in Nagasaki. You can read more about this decision as well as Disarmament and Security Centre researcher Dr. Marcus Coll’s comments here.

At Sunday’s event, we were joined by Christchurch City Councillor Cr Celeste Donovan and Japanese Consul Mr Ken Nakamura, who spoke alongside Lucy Stewart and Dr. Marcus Coll from the DSC. The ceremony was also attended by city councillors, members of parliament, and locals from throughout the community.

We want to thank all those who came along to remember and reflect on these events as we stood united to say, “Never Again”.

The event was co-hosted by the Disarmament and Security Centre, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), the World Peace Bell Association, and UCDisarm. Read more about Christchurch's strong links to Hiroshima and Nagasaki through the story of a survivor, Bun Hashizume,