On August 6, 1945 the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. On August 9th, the Americans dropped another atomic bomb, this time on Nagasaki. The immediate combined death toll of the two raids was about 200,000. Over the decades that followed, many more thousands would suffer and perish from radiation induced illnesses.
Winnipeg is one of more than 8400 cities that belong to Mayors for Peace, an organization devoted to nuclear disarmament. Annually, in early August, Winnipeggers gather to affirm their commitment to peace and freedom from nuclear terror with a Lanterns for Peace Ceremony.
Typically, these gatherings have been organized by Peace Alliance Winnipeg and the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba. This year they were joined by the Mennonite Central Committee of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
This is the Winnipeg Lanterns for Peace ceremony that I recorded on August 6th, 2024.
Paul S. Graham 