Hiroshima & Nagasaki Memorial Lantern Service

Hiroshima and Nagasaki - Never Again. Hiroshima and Nagasaki Memorial.

For the 37th consecutive year, people in Christchurch will gather to remember those who died, and the Hibakusha (survivors) of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It will be a departure from the traditional lantern floating on the Avon River, though lanterns will still be lit, illuminating the dark. This represents the intention in social justice campaigner Elsie Locke’s words ‘to work for the removal of all nuclear weapons and for a peaceful future for all.’ The Japanese Women’s Choir will sing and Natasha Barnes from the Disarmament and Security Centre will speak.

The Peace Bell, which is over the bridge from the daffodil gardens on Riccarton Ave, provides a direct link with Hiroshima. The pounamu (greenstone) beneath the bell was divided into two and the other half of the stone is in Hiroshima.

This event is organised by Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) (Otautahi branch) and The Quakers Religious Society of Friends with support from Christchurch City Council, Peace City. For more information, contact Mia 980 4884.

Held at the Peace Bell.