Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony
Prayers for lasting peace in the world
The annual Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park on 6th August every year. This ceremony is a solemn event that aims to commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb and pray for lasting peace in the world. It is attended by many people, including the families of the atomic bomb victims, as well as individuals from all over the world.
The ceremony takes place in front of the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, which is a memorial monument dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The Cenotaph stands as a symbol of remembrance and serves as a place of comfort for the spirits of the victims. It is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact that the atomic bomb had on the city and its people.
The ceremony begins early in the morning, at 6:30 am, and continues until 8:50 am. It is a solemn and reflective event, with speeches, prayers, and moments of silence. The participants offer their prayers for the victims and their families, as well as for world peace. The ceremony is a way for the people of Hiroshima to come together and remember the past while also looking towards a peaceful future.
One of the highlights of the ceremony is the floating lantern ceremony. This tradition is said to have started soon after World War II, when survivors and those who lost relatives and friends in the atomic bombing floated handmade lanterns down the river as a memorial and a symbol of hope for recovery. In the evening, as part of the ceremony, paper lanterns are lit and floated down the Motoyasu River with messages of peace. It is a beautiful and poignant sight that serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and unity.
The Peace Memorial Ceremony is open to anyone of any nationality who wishes to participate. It is a way for people from all over the world to come together and show their support for peace. There is a sense of togetherness and solidarity among the participants, as they join in prayer and remembrance. It is a powerful and moving experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.
Many people may worry that they may not be welcome to attend the ceremony or that they may feel out of place. However, everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of their background or beliefs. The ceremony is a universal symbol of peace and serves as a reminder that peace is something that should be pursued by all.
In addition to the Peace Memorial Ceremony, Hiroshima offers many opportunities for peace tourism. There are routes around the city that allow visitors to learn more about the atomic bombing and deepen their understanding of the meaning of peace. This includes visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which houses exhibits and artifacts related to the bombing, as well as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is a beautiful and serene space dedicated to promoting peace.
To get to the Peace Memorial Park, visitors can take the Hiroshima Electric Railway tram from JR Hiroshima Station. Trams number 2 or 6 will take you directly to the Genbaku Dome-mae stop, which is located near the park. The journey takes approximately 17 minutes. It is a convenient and easy way to reach the park and participate in the ceremony.
The Peace Memorial Ceremony is an important event that reminds us of the horrors of war and the importance of working towards a peaceful future. It serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact that the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima and its people. By coming together and offering our prayers for peace, we can honor the victims and work towards a world free from violence and conflict.
In conclusion, the Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima is a solemn and reflective event that brings people together to remember the victims of the atomic bomb and pray for lasting peace in the world. It is a powerful and moving experience that serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of war and the importance of pursuing peace. By participating in the ceremony and visiting the Peace Memorial Park, we can pay our respects to the victims and contribute to the promotion of peace. Let us come together and pray for a world free from violence and conflict.
Address And Maps Location:
1-1 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken
Subscribe, follow @idbcpr and idbackpacker.com