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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony facts for kids

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The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony is a special event held every year in Japan. It is a time for people to remember and honor those who lost their lives when an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. This day is often called "A-Bomb Day."

The ceremony takes place in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, right in front of the Memorial Cenotaph. People come from all over the world to attend, including families of the victims. The main goal of the ceremony is to comfort the victims' families and to wish for lasting world peace. The very first ceremony was held in 1947 by the mayor of Hiroshima at that time, Shinzo Hamai.

What Happens at the Ceremony?

Satsuki Eda Yohei Kono and Yasuo Fukuda 20080806
Leaders like Satsuki Eda, Yōhei Kōno, and Yasuo Fukuda offered a silent prayer in 2008.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony includes several important parts:

  • Dedication of Water: Citizens of Hiroshima offer water. Music called "Prelude" has been played during this part since 1968.
  • Opening: The ceremony officially begins.
  • Dedication of the Register: A book with the names of all known atomic bomb victims is presented.
  • Address: Important speeches are given.
  • Dedication of Flowers: Flowers are placed to honor the victims. Music called "Prayer Music No. 1: Dirge" has been played since 1975. This music was composed by Hibakusha (a survivor of the atomic bombing) named Masaru Kawasaki.
  • Silent Prayer and Peace Bell: Everyone observes a moment of silence for one minute, 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 as a symbol of peace.
  • Commitment to Peace: Children's representatives share their promise to work for peace.
  • Addresses: The Prime Minister of Japan and other important guests give speeches.
  • Hiroshima Peace Song: A special song is sung. The music was created by Minoru Yamamoto, and the words were written by Yoshio Shigezono.
  • Closing: The ceremony concludes.

Remembering Hiroshima 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, which is a memorial in Israel for victims of 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 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. This was a very important step. Six years later, in 2016, then-President Barack Obama made a historic visit to Hiroshima, which was the first time a sitting U.S. president had done so.

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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.