Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony facts for kids
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony is an important yearly event held in Japan. Every year on August 6, the city of Hiroshima remembers "A-Bomb Day." On this day, a special ceremony takes place to honor the people who died from the atomic bomb. It also serves as a prayer for lasting world peace.
The ceremony happens at the Memorial Cenotaph, which is located in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Many people attend, including families of those who passed away and visitors from all over the world. The very first ceremony was held in 1947 by the mayor of Hiroshima at that time, Shinzo Hamai.
Contents
What Happens at the Ceremony?
The Peace Memorial Ceremony includes several important parts:
- Dedication of Water: Citizens of Hiroshima offer water. Since 1975, this part has special music called "Prayer Music No. 1: Dirge." This music was written by Masaru Kawasaki, who was a Hibakusha (a survivor of the atomic bombing).
- Opening: The ceremony officially begins.
- Dedication of the Register: A book with the names of all the atomic bomb victims is presented.
- Address: Important speeches are given.
- Dedication of Flowers: Flowers are placed to honor the victims.
- Silent Prayer and Peace Bell: Everyone observes one minute of silence starting at 8:15 AM. A special bell is rung by a family member of a victim and a child.
- Peace Declaration: The Mayor of Hiroshima reads a message about peace.
- Release of Doves: White doves are set free. They represent a wish for peace.
- Commitment to Peace: Children's representatives share their promise for peace.
- Addresses: The Prime Minister of Japan and other special guests give speeches.
- Hiroshima Peace Song: This song is played, with music by Minoru Yamamoto and words by Yoshio Shigezono.
- Closing: The ceremony comes to an end.
Peace Ceremonies Around the World
The message of peace from Hiroshima has spread globally. Because of this, memorial ceremonies are also held in other parts of the world. For example, on August 6, 1986, a group of 18 people from Hiroshima visited Yad Vashem. This is a memorial in Israel for the Holocaust. They held a short ceremony there.
United States Participation
In 2010, John V. Roos became the first United States ambassador to Japan to attend the ceremony. This was a big step. Six years later, in 2016, then-President Barack Obama made a historic visit to Hiroshima. He was the first sitting U.S. president to visit the city.
In Spanish: Ceremonia conmemorativa por la Paz en Hiroshima para niños
See also
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
- Hiroshima Witness
