Many of our Back from the Brink Hubs organized and co-hosted events across the country that commemorated the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These events featured a diverse range of activities, including film screenings, performances, lantern vigils, and community action, all aimed at honoring victims and raising awareness about the ongoing threat of nuclear weapons.
From Boston to Los Angeles and beyond, these gatherings brought together people from diverse backgrounds to reflect, remember, and renew their commitment to nuclear disarmament. As written by Maylene Hughes, Grassroots Organizing and Policy Coordinator at PSR-LA and Liaison for the BftB Southern California Hub, we’re also filled with “hope and determination” in seeing communities rally together for a future free from nuclear weapons.
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BOSTON (GREATER BOSTON PSR)
From Larry Tish
Our Hiroshima Day commemorative program at the Cambridge Public Library on Monday, August 5 was a great success! It was part performance art, part presentation, part film screening and Q&A. Michael and I greeted the audience as they arrived in hazmat suits and a 1950’s Geiger counter that was clicking incessantly. We handed out flyers to each person of the FEMA one-pager, “Be Prepared for a Nuclear Explosion.”
When the audience entered the auditorium (about 75 people) the eerie soundtrack from the TV series Chernobyl was playing.
At 7pm, Michael and I made our way onto the stage and took off our Hazmat suits and masks. We welcomed everyone and introduced the evening program. At 7:15pm we paused and had a moment of silence with the people of Hiroshima (8:15 am/August 6, Hiroshima) via a live simulcast. It was a very powerful moment.
I then gave a presentation on the Lucky Dragon #5 and the Castle Bravo tragedy that is what the movie I am making, Tickling the Dragon’s Tail, is based on. We also had selected youth pop up around the audience to read quotes from the presentation.
Then, Michael introduced his film about Hiroshima survivor Tomiko Morimoto West, Appreciation: The Tomiko Morimoto West Story. We screened the 21-minute award-winning documentary.
Next, Dr. Ira Helfand took the podium and gave his reflections. Part of his message was that tonight’s program was a contradiction of sorts, combining the hope that the film gave him and the message of the program… “Be Seriously Scared!” (The last words of Oishi Matashichi, the ex-Lucky Dragon fisherman and author of “The Day the Sun Rose in the West.”) He shared that we need both to inspire people to action. He also answered a few questions with the eloquence and wisdom that is Dr. Helfand.
As an audience member shared with me afterwards, “I have attended many of these over the years and tonight’s presentation was innovative, impactful and creative. We need more like this!”
As the audience left, they were each given a paper origami crane, as a gift of gratitude for their attendance.
BACK FROM THE BRINK – CT
From Joe Wasserman (contact him at joewass64@yahoo.com)
23 people attended a “Shared Call to Abolish Nuclear Weapons,” despite tornado warnings and rain, on the evening of August 9th. The event was held at the Quaker Meeting House in West Hartford, CT. Many of those in attendance took the opportunity to write handwritten letters to their U.S. House Representatives in support of H. Res. 77, a congressional resolution in support of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
The program was moderated by Frank O’Gorman, a longtime Hartford area peace and social justice activist. Barbara Pivarnick outlined a deeply disturbing description of what nuclear war would look like, something not often heard. She was followed by Hartford Council Person Marilyn Rossetti, who spoke to the critical issues facing people living in Hartford. Rev. Carmen Wooster gave a powerful account of the Black community’s response to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and initiated the singing of “We Shall Overcome” with the audience. Wayne Coste spoke to the distorted historical accounts we have been given regarding what transpired during the time of the atomic bombings of 1945. Eric Stamm led a moment of silence for peace activists who had passed away over the last 12 months.
Poetry was read aloud by Ashley Phan and David Pontrelli. Ian Fay performed music.
Joe Wasserman spoke to an open letter to the CT delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives, in support of H. Res. 77. The letter is being circulated by Back from the Brink CT. Members of the audience were asked to seek endorsements for this letter.
Back from the Brink CT meets on a monthly basis and invites all concerned Connecticut residents to join. It is part of the national Back from the Brink, which has been working to educate the public on the need to reduce the danger of nuclear war and pass H. Res. 77.
From Ann Froines
I spoke for Back from the Brink and H. Res. 77 at both Aug 6/Aug 9 events in New Haven, CT. These commemorations have been organized for decades by local peace activists.
Every participant received an “Open Letter to CT members of the U.S. House of Representatives” urging a shift in U.S. policy toward diplomacy, negotiation and nuclear disarmament — and info on how to participate in our state’s BftB campaign.
Veterans for Peace and World Beyond War speakers there showed interest in teaming up to organize a public meeting/teach-in this fall or winter in greater New Haven and/or Hartford.
BFTB LOS ANGELES/SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
From Maylene Hughes, Grassroots Organizing and Policy Coordinator at PSR-LA and Liaison for the Back from the Brink Southern California Hub
Lanterns of Hope – 79th Anniversary Vigil
On August 9th, we gathered at Gloria Molina Grand Park for “Lanterns of Hope: Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” an intimate and inspiring vigil to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings. Although Dr. Jimmy Hara, one of our expected speakers, couldn’t join us due to COVID, the event was still powerful, with a wonderful turnout, including members of the Back from the Brink coalition, PSR-LA, California Poor People’s Campaign, friends, family, and more.
The evening was marked by a sense of community and connection, set against the beautiful backdrop of the park. It was particularly heartening to see so many young, passionate individuals—something not often seen in the nuclear disarmament space. We shared stories, ideas, and hope for the future as we honored the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Our Japanese village dancer, Maki, did an amazing job opening the event with a beautiful performance. Maki and her family stayed throughout the entire program, listening to the speeches and taking part in the lantern release, which added a special sense of togetherness to the evening.
Kikuko Otake, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, deeply moved everyone with her testimony. Her courage and resilience were a powerful reminder of why we continue to fight for nuclear abolition. Our younger speakers, Manon and Kanon Iwata, and Eddie Laiche, also inspired us with their passion and commitment. They embody the next generation of activists who will carry forward the legacy of the hibakusha and other affected communities, pushing us ever closer to a world free from nuclear weapons.
The lantern release was a highlight of the night, with everyone admiring the sight of the glowing lanterns floating in the fountain bed. Despite a few technical difficulties with the water current—and a couple of lanterns catching on fire—it only added to the charm and fun of the evening, making it all the more memorable.
As the event organizer and someone new to this level of responsibility, I couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and supported this vigil. This experience has filled me with hope and determination, and I’m already looking forward to making this an annual tradition.
Local press coverage:
She survived the bombing of Hiroshima. Decades later, she’s sharing her story. (Pasadena Star-News)
Hiroshima bombing’s 79th anniversary: Survivor’s story echoes call for peace (Spectrum News 1)
NUCLEAR ABOLITION NOW (OREGON)
I represented Nuclear Abolition Now at a Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration event in Corvallis, OR. I brought our table, flyers, anti-nuke stickers and other materials to hand out. We had some good conversations and got some signups to our list. The organizers were pleased that we were represented.
The event’s program featured a number of speakers, beginning with Corvallis Mayor Charles Maughan, a message from Senator Jeff Merkley, and a Japanese koto player.
PHILADELPHIA BFTB (AT CFPA)
From Kathleen Welch
On August 5 in Princeton, I participated in the Coalition for Peace Action’s (CFPA) 45th Annual Commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings. I represented the Back from the Brink (BftB) – Philadelphia Hub and shared BftB brochures and H. Res. 77 postcards. I established some new and exciting relationships, especially with the keynote speaker, Shiho Burke.
Shiho is a peace activist who described her life in Hiroshima and how so many members of her family were victims of the Hiroshima bombing. She is now living in the United States, and I discussed with her what BftB does and connected her with BftB’s National Field Organizer, Jeremy Love. Shiho is also involved in the movie, Silent Fallout, a documentary directed by renowned Japanese filmmaker Hideaki Ito, that delves into the profound and often overlooked issue of radioactive contamination in the U.S. I helped organize this event since I am on the Advocacy Committee for the CFPA. I really liked that we had a moment of silence at 7:15 pm, which was chosen because it corresponded to the 8:15 Hiroshima time, the exact moment when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. The Commemoration closed with candlelight and song. Above is a photo of me and Shiho.
SYRACUSE PEACE COUNCIL (NY)
From Diane Swords and Wendy Yost
About 50 people attended an event sponsored by the Syracuse Peace Council (Peace Action Affiliate) entitled “A Nuclear Weapons Free Future is Possible” on the 79th Anniversary of the U.S. nuclear attack on Hiroshima, Japan. We met at All Saints Catholic Church, one of our local BftB endorsers.
Michael Dwyer presented his award-winning documentary, Appreciation — The Tomiko Morimoto West Story. A local bombing survivor was moved by Tomiko’s story to talk about her experience as a young child in Tokyo when her city was firebombed by the U.S. Air Force during WWII.
Jeremy Love, Field Organizer for the National Back from the Brink Campaign (BftB) talked about the campaign’s grassroots efforts to promote public policies to prevent nuclear war. Love also spoke of changing the “culture of violence” as an underpinning of a shift away from using weapons to solve the world’s problems.
Local activist Don Hughes spoke about the huge importance of the upcoming presidential and down-ballot elections in deciding the future of nuclear weapons policy and spending. While there may not have been a huge difference between the Biden and Trump administrations in terms of nuclear weapons spending, Don drew a distinction between the diplomacy efforts of Biden and Trump. He also spoke of the importance of House and Senate elections since it is Congress that sets spending priorities and can pass legislation to support BftB policy proposals. BftB literature and action suggested were provided to the audience.
Almost every year since the 1950s, Syracuse Peace Council has hosted a very impressive solemn procession around this time to commemorate the horror of the bombings and we dedicate ourselves to “No More Hiroshimas, No More Nagasakis.” This was the first year that we had to postpone due to intense rain. We are rescheduling for September 26, the United Nations International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
On Tuesday, August 6, SF Bay Area PSR held a rally with various notable speakers, including Norman Solomon (journalist, author and media critic), Patricia Ellsberg (social activist), Hideaki Ito (Director, Silent Fallout), Rev. Monica Cross (Quad-Chair, CA Poor People’s Campaign), Maylene Hughes (Back from the Brink, PSR-LA), and Scott Yundt (Tri-Valley CAREs). The event was MCed by Patricia St. Onge and Wilson Riles, while music was provided by Andrea Prichett. The rally was followed by a traditional Japanese Bon Dance. Some attendees also decided to engage in non-violent civil disobedience, with folks quickly processed and receiving citations.
WASHINGTON PSR
Members of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility and Students for Nuclear Disarmament tabled for the Washington Against Nuclear Weapons coalition at “From Hiroshima to Hope,” an annual commemoration of the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all victims of war and violence. Ken Lans, the President of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, also spoke to reporters about the health dangers that nuclear weapons pose at the event.
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS BFTB
To remember the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, on August 6 the Western Massachusetts Hub organized Bell Ringing – throughout our area, commencing at 8:15am. We also supported other peace and non-violence groups at remembrances, in Greenfield and Springfield (at which Bftb Steering Committee member, Ira Helfand spoke). Four churches rang their bells for certain, with as many as seven more joining in (although we did not have members at every location to hear them). We also had two Opinion pieces published in the primary newspapers of our region (Daily Hampshire Gazette and Greenfield Recorder) along with letters to the editor. For next year: we intend to start the planning much earlier, double the number of bells rung, have an event in the evening, and advertise our efforts much more broadly.
