Peace Lantern Float 2007

Peace Lantern Float 2007

Remembering the 62nd Anniversary

of the Bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki

 As it enters Hiroshima, the Ohta River splits into six fingers. It was to these waters that tens 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.

In Rochester, we remember those days, not to linger among images of death or questions of guilt on either side, but 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.

Rochester commemorates the event in an annual Peace Lantern Floating Ceremony at Silver Lake Park. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Where: East picnic shelter at Silver Lake Park.

When: Monday, August 6, 2007 (in case of rain, Aug 8).  At 7:00pm gather to make lanterns, kit and instructions will be provided. The ceremony will take place at 7:45pm by lantern floating at sunset.

Speaking:  Mayor Ardell Brede, Doug McGill, Malini DeSilva

Music:  Campfire II

Why:  George Schultz (Sec of State 1982-1989), William Perry (Sec of Defense 1994-1997), Henry Kissinger (Sec of State 1973-1977), Sam Nunn (former chair Senate Armed Services Committee): “Nuclear weapons today present tremendous dangers, but also an historic opportunity. We endorse setting the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, working energetically on the actions required to achieve that goal.” (Wall Street Journal, January 4, 2007).  For more information, visit the site located here.

What to do: Visit these web sites for more information and suggested actions.

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Published by thefootprint on July 13th, 2007 tagged Green living

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