Hiroshima and Nagasaki Remembered
cnduk.org | 05.08.2003 15:12
On Wednesday the 6th of August and Saturday the 9th August, CND will be commemorating the 58th anniversary of the tragic events at Hiroshima and Nagasaki (respectively) across the UK (details listed below).
The spectre of a nuclear holocaust is today again a reality, not known since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The possibility of a nuclear disaster occurring has escalated following the War in Iraq. The US policy of pre-emptive strikes has resulted in even more states attempting to acquire nuclear weapons, and US plans to build a new generation of nuclear weapons, such as 'bunker busters' and 'mini-nukes' marks a step towards nuclear escalation, not elimination. Relations between India and Pakistan are at a very fragile and tentative stage, adding to the possibility of Armageddon.
The spectre of a nuclear holocaust is today again a reality, not known since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The possibility of a nuclear disaster occurring has escalated following the War in Iraq. The US policy of pre-emptive strikes has resulted in even more states attempting to acquire nuclear weapons, and US plans to build a new generation of nuclear weapons, such as 'bunker busters' and 'mini-nukes' marks a step towards nuclear escalation, not elimination. Relations between India and Pakistan are at a very fragile and tentative stage, adding to the possibility of Armageddon.
The commemoration will remember and mourn the dreadful loss of innocent civilian life when the H-Bomb - 'Little Boy' exploded 600 metres above the city of Hiroshima at 8:15am killing 140,000 people. Three days later, at 11.02am 'Fat Man' was dropped on Nagasaki resulting in the immediate deaths of 40,000 people.
The message of the survivors has been simple, clear and consistent: "Never Again!”. David Krieger, President of the US Nuclear Age Peace Foundation poignantly said, "To rely upon nuclear weapons for security is to put the future of our species and most of life at risk of annihilation. Humanity is faced with a choice: Eliminate nuclear weapons or continue to run the risk of them eliminating us. Unless we recognize this choice and act upon it, we face the possibility of a global Hiroshima".
Carol Naughton CND Chair said "Now more than ever, the case for nuclear disarmament is of the highest priority. We must never forget what occurred on those tragic days 58 years ago and do everything we can to make sure it never ever, happens again."
CND Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemorations
Blackpool & Fylde CND
Will have a leafleting session outside St. John's Church, Church St., Blackpool, Lancs. on Saturday, 9th. August, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. They will stick wallpaper cut-out figures to the paving, to represent the shadows of the people killed at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Exeter CND
An information stall in Exeter High Street from 12 noon to 2pm on Wednesday 6th August (Hiroshima Day); A vigil on Exe Bridges from 6pm on Wednesday 6th August; and an information stall in Exeter High Street from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 9th August (Nagasaki Day).
Hailsham and Eastbourne
Local nuclear resisters will gather at Hailsham Common Pond to float lanterns in memory of the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and to pledge their determination to achieve a world free from the menace of nuclear weapons. There will be readings, and messages from twin groups in the USA and India will be read out. The event will be publicised in the local print and broadcast media.
Kingston Peace Council/CND
Will be launching paper boats with light into the Thames from Canbury Gardens from 8.45pm on Hiroshima Day. They have invited the Mayor and two local MPs
Leicester CND
Early morning vigil, involving a brief 'death' by a woman dressed in a kimono and "No" mask at 8.15am and that figure is chalked around. Last year they had shadow painting the night before which may happen again this year.
Littleborough Peace Group
Will meet at in the evening in front of the boat house, Hollingworth Lake and walk round to a quieter spot on the lake bank, for a brief commemorative event. They have readings, sometimes music, and float candles on the lake - an echo of the candles sent down the river to mark the occasion at Hiroshima.
Liverpool CND
11am in the Peace Garden, St. John's Garden behind St. George's Hall, Liverpool. Wreath laying ceremony attended and addressed by: Lord Mayor of Liverpool (to be confirmed), Father Gerry Proctor. 2 or 3 other speakers will be invited. Ceremony ends with Peace Prayer. Organiser: Syd Leathwood for Merseyside CND. MCND Office: 0151 708 7764. email:
mcnd@care4free.net
London Region CND
Will have its commemorative ceremony at the Hiroshima cherry tree in Tavistock Square WC1 on the 6th August from noon to 1pm. We will have speakers and music.
Medway CND Hiroshima Day Commemorations
6 Aug, 8am: Leafleting Medway rail stations (& possibly others on the Kent lines). 9 Aug, 11am: Annual River Flower Ceremony at the Sun Pier, Chatham John Hemsley, Sec Medway CND, 01634-360415.
Norwich CND
Will be painting shadows on the pavements in the city centre on the evening of 5th August, and leafleting there the next day, alongside a stall which will have a display linking the Hiroshima/Nagasaki remembrance with U.S. plans for a new generation of nuclear weapons and missile defence. They will also help to organise a church service of remembrance on 9th August at one of the city centre churches, or in the Cathedral.
Nottingham CND
Will organise a Hiroshima Day commemorative outdoor gathering on Wednesday August 6th, with readings and quiet musical performances. Venue to be confirmed. Contact NCND on 0115 934 84 59 or 0115 9621 453.
St. Albans CND (STACND)
Hiroshima Day falls on a Wednesday this year when St. Albans holds its weekly market. We have decided to hire a stall for the day.
10.00-16.00, Market Place St. Albans. Pamphlets, leaflets, petition to Blair in the form of a giant card calling on UK to honour its
obligation to negotiate away its nukes. At about 16.30 there will be a short commemoration at the Peace Pole in Sumpter Yard, St. Albans.
South Cheshire & North Staffs CND, Stoke-on-Trent
Will be handing out CND's Hiroshima leaflet.
CND Wales
There will Hiroshima and Nagasaki commemorative events on the National Eisteddfod field on August 6th and 9th, at Meifod Montgomeryshire. Details to be arranged. Contact Rod Stallard: (01550) 750 260 Paper boats and candles will be floated on Roath park lake in Cardiff contact Ray Davies: 02920 889 514 An event will take place in Swansea Contact Brian Jones or Jan Henderson 01792 830 330 candle floating will take place in Newport Pembrokeshire as it has done for over 20 years: contact Mansel Kedward:
01239 891 294 There is usually an event in Aberystwyth. Contact Olwen Davies: 01792 611994 There may well be more in Wales. Bilingual interviews are available.
West Midlands CND
12.30, Commemoration in St. Phillips Cathedral Churchyard, including readings and a minutes silence. 18.00, opening of the West Midlands CND Hiroshima Exhibition at Birmingham Voluntary Service Council, 138, Digbeth. The exhibition will be open for five weeks. Contact: West Midlands CND, 0121 643 4617.
Ends...//
1. For further information and interviews please contact Ben Miller - CND Press Office - 020-7700-2350 or 07968-420-859
2. CND – Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (formed 1958), has expert knowledge on all nuclear issues.
Ben Miller
Press Officer
CND - Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
p 020 7700 2393 switchboard
p 020 7700 2350 direct line
f 020 7700 2357
m 07968 420859
e pressoffice@cnduk.org
w www.cnduk.org
The message of the survivors has been simple, clear and consistent: "Never Again!”. David Krieger, President of the US Nuclear Age Peace Foundation poignantly said, "To rely upon nuclear weapons for security is to put the future of our species and most of life at risk of annihilation. Humanity is faced with a choice: Eliminate nuclear weapons or continue to run the risk of them eliminating us. Unless we recognize this choice and act upon it, we face the possibility of a global Hiroshima".
Carol Naughton CND Chair said "Now more than ever, the case for nuclear disarmament is of the highest priority. We must never forget what occurred on those tragic days 58 years ago and do everything we can to make sure it never ever, happens again."
CND Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemorations
Blackpool & Fylde CND
Will have a leafleting session outside St. John's Church, Church St., Blackpool, Lancs. on Saturday, 9th. August, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. They will stick wallpaper cut-out figures to the paving, to represent the shadows of the people killed at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Exeter CND
An information stall in Exeter High Street from 12 noon to 2pm on Wednesday 6th August (Hiroshima Day); A vigil on Exe Bridges from 6pm on Wednesday 6th August; and an information stall in Exeter High Street from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 9th August (Nagasaki Day).
Hailsham and Eastbourne
Local nuclear resisters will gather at Hailsham Common Pond to float lanterns in memory of the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and to pledge their determination to achieve a world free from the menace of nuclear weapons. There will be readings, and messages from twin groups in the USA and India will be read out. The event will be publicised in the local print and broadcast media.
Kingston Peace Council/CND
Will be launching paper boats with light into the Thames from Canbury Gardens from 8.45pm on Hiroshima Day. They have invited the Mayor and two local MPs
Leicester CND
Early morning vigil, involving a brief 'death' by a woman dressed in a kimono and "No" mask at 8.15am and that figure is chalked around. Last year they had shadow painting the night before which may happen again this year.
Littleborough Peace Group
Will meet at in the evening in front of the boat house, Hollingworth Lake and walk round to a quieter spot on the lake bank, for a brief commemorative event. They have readings, sometimes music, and float candles on the lake - an echo of the candles sent down the river to mark the occasion at Hiroshima.
Liverpool CND
11am in the Peace Garden, St. John's Garden behind St. George's Hall, Liverpool. Wreath laying ceremony attended and addressed by: Lord Mayor of Liverpool (to be confirmed), Father Gerry Proctor. 2 or 3 other speakers will be invited. Ceremony ends with Peace Prayer. Organiser: Syd Leathwood for Merseyside CND. MCND Office: 0151 708 7764. email:
mcnd@care4free.net London Region CND
Will have its commemorative ceremony at the Hiroshima cherry tree in Tavistock Square WC1 on the 6th August from noon to 1pm. We will have speakers and music.
Medway CND Hiroshima Day Commemorations
6 Aug, 8am: Leafleting Medway rail stations (& possibly others on the Kent lines). 9 Aug, 11am: Annual River Flower Ceremony at the Sun Pier, Chatham John Hemsley, Sec Medway CND, 01634-360415.
Norwich CND
Will be painting shadows on the pavements in the city centre on the evening of 5th August, and leafleting there the next day, alongside a stall which will have a display linking the Hiroshima/Nagasaki remembrance with U.S. plans for a new generation of nuclear weapons and missile defence. They will also help to organise a church service of remembrance on 9th August at one of the city centre churches, or in the Cathedral.
Nottingham CND
Will organise a Hiroshima Day commemorative outdoor gathering on Wednesday August 6th, with readings and quiet musical performances. Venue to be confirmed. Contact NCND on 0115 934 84 59 or 0115 9621 453.
St. Albans CND (STACND)
Hiroshima Day falls on a Wednesday this year when St. Albans holds its weekly market. We have decided to hire a stall for the day.
10.00-16.00, Market Place St. Albans. Pamphlets, leaflets, petition to Blair in the form of a giant card calling on UK to honour its
obligation to negotiate away its nukes. At about 16.30 there will be a short commemoration at the Peace Pole in Sumpter Yard, St. Albans.
South Cheshire & North Staffs CND, Stoke-on-Trent
Will be handing out CND's Hiroshima leaflet.
CND Wales
There will Hiroshima and Nagasaki commemorative events on the National Eisteddfod field on August 6th and 9th, at Meifod Montgomeryshire. Details to be arranged. Contact Rod Stallard: (01550) 750 260 Paper boats and candles will be floated on Roath park lake in Cardiff contact Ray Davies: 02920 889 514 An event will take place in Swansea Contact Brian Jones or Jan Henderson 01792 830 330 candle floating will take place in Newport Pembrokeshire as it has done for over 20 years: contact Mansel Kedward:
01239 891 294 There is usually an event in Aberystwyth. Contact Olwen Davies: 01792 611994 There may well be more in Wales. Bilingual interviews are available.
West Midlands CND
12.30, Commemoration in St. Phillips Cathedral Churchyard, including readings and a minutes silence. 18.00, opening of the West Midlands CND Hiroshima Exhibition at Birmingham Voluntary Service Council, 138, Digbeth. The exhibition will be open for five weeks. Contact: West Midlands CND, 0121 643 4617.
Ends...//
1. For further information and interviews please contact Ben Miller - CND Press Office - 020-7700-2350 or 07968-420-859
2. CND – Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (formed 1958), has expert knowledge on all nuclear issues.
Ben Miller
Press Officer
CND - Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
p 020 7700 2393 switchboard
p 020 7700 2350 direct line
f 020 7700 2357
m 07968 420859
e
pressoffice@cnduk.org w www.cnduk.org
cnduk.org
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