July 27, 2020

 

Dear CPSR supporters, friends and allies:

 

As you know, August 6 and August 9 will be the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings that killed over 100,000 instantly and over twice that many, after excruciating burns, injuries, and radiation sickness by the end of 1945. THERE WERE TO HAVE BEEN BIG GATHERINGS IN DC,  NEW YORK AND ALL OVER THE WORLD. Covid-19 has changed the form of this somber remembrance, but the COMMEMORATIONS and the COMMITMENT TO ACTION have taken another form nationally and locally. They are not to be missed, like the growing movement to take us BACK FROM the BRINK of NUCLEAR WAR in the U.S. or to complete ratification of the UNITED NATIONS TREATY TO PROHIBIT NUCLEAR WEAPONS. Both are featured on the national virtual program and mentioned by groups locally, nationally and internationally as well as other important efforts at denuclearization and abolition. We are part of a growing movement.  

 

1) Check out the list of events nationally at hiroshimanagasaki75.org/events put together by a coalition of GROUPS THAT HAVE COME TOGETHER TO HOST a national virtual event, a two day collection of pre-recorded and live local  events from all over the country and the world. PSR has played a major role in this coalition and CPSR is a local partner. (CPSR was involved IN Preventnuclearwar-Maryland event at 1:15 and Back from the Brink event 1:30 on August 6)

• All: In anticipation of Hiroshima Nagasaki Week which starts on August 3rd, we at All Souls Church invite you to view the film: "Pictures From A Hiroshima Schoolyard" at 8:00 PM on July 31st. Discussion following the film.   
• On August 5, the annual "Candlelight Vigil" will be held at All Souls Unitarian Church (1500 Harvard St NW, Washington, D.C.) starting at 7pm sharp. Candles will be lit at 7:15pm, the exact time of the detonation in Hiroshima. Gather at the front steps on 16th Street. We will gather at 6:45. For more information contact Mel Hardy at melvin.hardy@gmail.com.
• On August 6, The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration Committee, Baltimore Nonviolence Center and other partnering organizations will hold its "36th Annual Hiroshima & Nagasaki Commemorations," Baltimore MD (33rd Street & North Charles Street), from 5:00 - 6:30pm (EST). Attendees will gather adjacent to Johns Hopkins University, the #1 nuclear weapons contractor among educational institutions. Bring signs, banners, peace ribbons and other artwork to condemn the research being done on nuclear weapons and call for the ratification of the UN Ban Treaty. For more information contact Max Obuszewski at mobuszewski2001@comcast.net or (410) 323-1607.
• On August 6, the 39th annual National Capital Area Hiroshima Virtual Commemoration will feature, "Lost Generation," a color documentary about the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Following the film, Leslie Susan, author of Choosing Life, will discuss how her father, Herbert Sussan, directed the filming of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 and 46 and spent the remainder of his life trying to get the footage released. Professor Peter Kuznick and Dennis Nelson, a Downwinder, will join the discussion. To register for the virtual event click here. For more information contact John Steinbach at  johnsteinbach1@verizon.net or (703) 822-3485.
• On August 8, an in-person "Peace Ribbon" event to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings will be held at the Capitol Reflecting Pool between 2nd & 3rd Streets NW Starting at noon. Those planning to attend are invited to bring peace ribbons and other signs. (TBA). Attendance limited to 50 and  registration is required. Contact Andrea Norouzi at (andibonita@gmail.com)
• On August 8, an in-person "Candlelight Vigil" will be held at Liberty Plaza (17th and G Streets, NW), Washington, D.C., on August 8, at 8:00pm (EST). Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring candles, peace ribbons or other signs. For more information contact Mel Hardy at melvin.hardy@gmail.com.
• On August 9, at 1:00pm (EST), a Vigil and Procession will be held in Baltimore, MD. Those interested are invited to walk or drive from Homewood Friends, meeting up at Charles Street to Stoney Run Friends. For more information contact Max Obuszewski at  mobuszewski2001@comcast.net or (410) 323-1607.
• Webinar, Aug. 9, 7 p.m "A Discussion on the Connections Between Black Lives Matter and the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki," presented by Vince Intondi. Registration required. 
• Vincent Intondi, author of African Americans Against the Bomb: Nuclear Weapons, Colonialism, and the Black Freedom Movement, is an Associate Professor of History and Director of the Institute for Race, Justice & Civic Engagement at Montgomery College in Takoma Park, Maryland. He holds a PhD in history from American University. Special Event Co-Sponsored By The HN Peace Committee