Today, August 9th is the 67th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, the second city in Japan after Hiroshima, three days earlier to be devastated by a nuclear device dropped by the Americans.
It is estimated that as a result of the attack on Nagasaki over 140,000 people lost their lives: 70,000 people were killed as a direct result of the bombing and a further 70,000 later died of subsequent radioactivity-related illnesses.
The day will be marked by solemn memorial services in the port city including an annual address by the Mayor of Nagasaki as he delivers a Peace Declaration to the World.
The 10m-tall Peace Statue pictured above is by local sculptor Seibou Kitamura, who was born in Nagasaki Prefecture. The statue's right hand points upwards to the sky in the direction of the falling bomb as the left hand extended sideways symbolizes hope for eternal peace.
Thursday, August 09, 2012
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