DC/MD/VA region: Hiroshima-Nagasaki atomic bombing 75th annual commeration events, both local and national, you can join, beginning this evening and continuing for more than a week

Message sent by Beyond Nuclear to supporters in the National Capital Region:

  

DC/MD/VA region: Hiroshima-Nagasaki atomic bombings 75th annual commemoration events schedule  

  

This evening, All Souls Unitarian Church's Heiwa Peace Project begins more than a week of Hiroshima-Nagasaki atomic bombing 75th annual commemoration events. See their announcement immediately below, which also includes in-person events (requiring the wearing of masks, as well as social distancing) in the week ahead. (Please see (A), below.)  

 

And below that, see an announcement from Dr. Gwen DuBois, of the Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, including Hiroshima-Nagasaki commemoration events in both the Baltimore, MD as well as Washington, DC areas. (Please see (B), below.) 

 

(To join national virtual commemoration events on August 6th beginning at 11am Eastern, and August 9th beginning at 2pm Eastern, visit: <hiroshimanagasak75.org>.)

 

Lastly, Beyond Nuclear's Kevin Kamps, along with PSR national board of directors member Alfred Meyer, were interviewed by host Margaret Harrington on her t.v. program "Nuclear-Free Future," broadcast by Channel 17 Town Meeting TV, based in Burlington, Vermont. The two-part discussion is entitled "75 Years of Nuclear Fallout, from Hiroshima to Now." Here is the summary: 

 

Alfred Meyer of Physicians for Social Responsibility and Kevin Kamps from Beyond Nuclear discuss the 75 years of nuclear weapons buildup since the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War 2. With host Margaret Harrington they talk about the continuing dangers of nuclear power which is needed for the ongoing nuclear weapons global nuclear industry.

   

See the online recording of Part 1, here. See the recording of Part 2, here. 

 

Please spread the word about these somber commemorations and remembrances. Thank you.  

 

---Kevin Kamps, Beyond Nuclear 

   

(The photo, above right, is from Hiroshima itself. It shows floating illuminated lanterns, commemorating those killed by the atomic bomb. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), visible in the background, was the only structure left standing in the area where the atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945.)  

 

(A.) This evening: Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard   

 

Message from Chuck Woolride, All Souls' Heiwa Peace Project, Washington, D.C.--

 

As part of All Souls [Unitarian Church, Washington, D.C.] 75th Hiroshima Commemoration, please join us for viewing the film and a discussion at 8 pm.  

 

Here is the link to join the event.  We hope you and friends will join us.

 

https://all-souls.org/events/pictures-from-a-hiroshima-schoolyard-viewing-and-discussion/ 

 

Chuck Wooldridge

All Souls Church

All Souls 75th Hiroshima Commemoration

 

All Souls' Heiwa Peace Project, in collaboration with our interfaith and peace partners, is sponsoring a series of programs to solemnly commemorate the 75th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bombs by United States on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945). 1945 also saw the beginning of All Souls Hiroshima Children's Drawing Ministry and what today we know as the Heiwa Peace Project.

 

Please save the dates for the below events. More details and resources will follow in upcoming All Souls Weekly Bulletins.

 

Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard (Friday, July 31, 8:00 pm). Zoom screening of this documentary, which beautifully captures the Hiroshima Children's Drawing story, followed by discussion.

 

Candlelight vigil (Wednesday, August 5, 6:30 pm). All Souls Church and the Hiroshima Nagasaki Peace Committee host a vigil (face coverings and socially distanced) on front steps of All Souls.

 

Remembrance (Saturday, August 8, 9:30 pm). The Hiroshima Nagasaki Peace Committee, All Souls Church, the Book Arts Gallery, and the Ribbon Campaign will gather at the Capitol Reflecting Pool to remember the atrocities of Nagasaki.

 

Sunday worship. On Sunday, August 9, the All Souls Sunday service will include a commemoration the 75th anniversary.

 

For more information, contact Chuck Wooldridge (cwooldridge108@comast.net) or Mel Hardy (melvin.hardy@gmail.com).

(B.) Message from Gwen DuBois, Chesapeake PSR:

 

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)

2) Also, be sure to sign the Hibakusha appeal

 THAT NEVER AGAIN WILL WE SEE THIS HELL ON EARTH).

 

3) There is a wonderful collection of events in Maryland: some virtual and some physically-distanced that are happening in Baltimore, DC and Frederick. See the calendar below under "LOCALLY." Some events require registration so sign up asap. Thanks to John Steinbach for putting together this local list.

 

LOCALLY

 

2020 75th National Capital Anniversary Hiroshima Nagasaki Calendar

• 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

Please join us for as much as you can and do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. Remember for nuclear war: Prevention is the only treatment:  Gdubois@jhsph.edu 

 

For peace and justice,

 

Gwen L. DuBois MD, MPH
President
Chesapeake

Physicians for Social Responsibility

This evening: Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard

Message from Chuck Woolridge, All Souls' Heiwa Peace Project, Washington, D.C.--

As part of All Souls [Unitarian Church, Washington, D.C.] 75th Hiroshima Commemoration, please join us for viewing the film and a discussion at 8 pm.  

Here is the link to join the event.  We hope you and friends will join us.

https://all-souls.org/events/pictures-from-a-hiroshima-schoolyard-viewing-and-discussion/

Chuck Wooldridge

All Souls Church

All Souls 75th Hiroshima Commemoration

 

All Souls' Heiwa Peace Project, in collaboration with our interfaith and peace partners, is sponsoring a series of programs to solemnly commemorate the 75th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bombs by United States on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945). 1945 also saw the beginning of All Souls Hiroshima Children’s Drawing Ministry and what today we know as the Heiwa Peace Project.

 

Please save the dates for the below events. More details and resources will follow in upcoming All Souls Weekly Bulletins.

 

Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard (Friday, July 31, 8:00 pm). Zoom screening of this documentary, which beautifully captures the Hiroshima Children’s Drawing story, followed by discussion.

 

Candlelight vigil (Wednesday, August 5, 6:30 pm). All Souls Church and the Hiroshima Nagasaki Peace Committee host a vigil (face coverings and socially distanced) on front steps of All Souls.

 

Remembrance (Saturday, August 8, 9:30 pm). The Hiroshima Nagasaki Peace Committee, All Souls Church, the Book Arts Gallery, and the Ribbon Campaign will gather at the Capitol Reflecting Pool to remember the atrocities of Nagasaki.

 

Sunday worship. On Sunday, August 9, the All Souls Sunday service will include a commemoration the 75th anniversary.

 

For more information, contact Chuck Wooldridge (cwooldridge108@comast.net) or Mel Hardy (melvin.hardy@gmail.com).

Update on August 1, 2020 by admin

See the website:

http://www.hiroshimaschoolyard.com/

The documentary film can be streamed at Amazon Prime, for free with ads, or for a small rental or even purchase fee; DVDs can also be ordered (at educational/institutional prices).

75 Years of Nuclear Fallout, from Hiroshima to Now (Part 1 of 2)

"Nuclear Free Future" host Margaret HarringtonOn July 17, 2020, "Nuclear Free Future" host Margaret Harrington interviewed Alfred Meyer of Physicians for Social Responsibility and Kevin Kamps of Beyond Nuclear. The program is produced by and airs on Channel 17 Town Meeting TV, based in Burlington, Vermont.

Here is Margaret's introduction:

Alfred Meyer of Physicians for Social Responsibility and Kevin Kamps from Beyond Nuclear discuss the 75 years of nuclear weapons buildup since the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War 2. With host Margaret Harrington they talk about the continuing dangers of nuclear power which is needed for the ongoing nuclear weapons global nuclear industry.

Watch the recording, here.

Update on July 28, 2020 by admin

See Part 2 of 2, of "Nuclear-Free Future Conversation" with Margaret Harrington, host, and guests Alfred Meyer of PSR and Kevin Kamps of Beyond Nuclear, posted online here.

Global Zero Mourns the Loss of Dr. Bruce Blair

As posted at Global Zero's website:

July 20, 2020

We are saddened to announce that Dr. Bruce G. Blair, Co-Founder of Global Zero and President of its Board of Directors, died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 19, following a sudden illness.

Derek Johnson, Executive Director of Global Zero, released the following statement on behalf of the organization regarding the recent passing of Dr. Blair:

“I am heartbroken at the sudden loss of my colleague, mentor, and dear friend, Bruce Blair.

“15 years ago, Bruce brought together an unprecedented international community of leaders and visionaries to build a new kind of movement to persuade governments to come to their senses and set aside the most catastrophic weapons on the planet. A veteran nuclear launch officer and unrivaled expert in command and control, Bruce understood — perhaps better than any single person alive — the urgency, enormity, and complexity of the nuclear threat. He built the Global Zero movement from the ground up and devoted all of his energy to making the world safer and better for all people.

“Bruce was a creative genius: brilliant, passionate, and relentlessly visionary in the face of the status quo. He worked tirelessly to focus the world on the inherent dangers posed by nuclear weapons — and to illuminate the path to a world without them. Bruce spoke with quiet, compelling force. He saw through the fog. He approached every conversation as an opportunity to challenge old assumptions and expand his thinking. He was big-hearted, steadfast, and sincere, and never missed an opening for wry humor.

“Bruce was a fundamentally good and remarkable human being. We are proud to have been on part of his journey and will always cherish his legacy of leadership, scholarship, and mentorship. He leaves behind an organization shaped by his values and convictions, and a global movement that will finish what he started.

“All of us at Global Zero are holding Bruce’s family and his many friends in our hearts. We will miss him terribly, and we will honor his memory in the only way we know how: by continuing his work and seeing his life’s mission through to the end.”

###

Half of Oklahoma Is “Indian Country.” What If All Native Treaties Were Upheld?

As reported by The Intercept.

The Nevada National Security Site (formerly known as the Nevada Test Site), where the U.S. and U.K. governments "test" detonated more than 900 full-scale nuclear weapons between 1951 and 1992 (and sub-critical nuclear weapons testing has continued there since), as well as the proposed Yucca Mountain high-level radioactive waste dump, are located on Western Shoshone land. The U.S. government acknowledged this when it signed the "peace and friendship" Treaty of Ruby Valley with the Western Shoshoe in 1863. Treaties are the highest law of the land, equal in stature to the U.S. Constituition itself. The U.S. government's genocidal radioactive racism is not only illegal, it is unconstitutional. For more information, see: <http://www.nativecommunityactioncouncil.org/>.