On August 6, 1945, the United States released an atomic bomb onto the city of Hiroshima. The powerful bomb killed over a third of the population within 30 minutes of detonation.

Today, we had the opportunity to explore the wonderfully haunting city of Hiroshima, as well as the Peace Park Memorial that was established to honor the victims of the A-Bomb. 

Leaving Osaka in the morning, we boarded a bullet train to ride to Hiroshima. Once we arrived in the city, we headed straight to the Peace Park Memorial. The views driving through the city were stunning and the thought of the destruction that occurred in the city almost 74 years ago seemed incomprehensible. 

As we drove up to the Peace Park, the A-Bomb Dome was clearly visible, with the metal frame protruding out of the city scape. We first got up and close the to A-Bomb, clearly seeing the destruction of the building.

We then walked over to the Children’s Peace Monument, which is a statue that honors Sadako Sasaki, who died of leukemia ten years after the atomic bomb dropped. The monument was stunningly beautiful, and the Wind Ensemble was able to share our talents as we sang “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” around the monument. Singing that beautiful blessing around such a powerful piece of art was truly a touching moment in my life.

We each left a paper crane at the statue, which represents wishes coming true, and shows our hope for world peace.

Walking towards the museum, we passed the eternal flame that burns 24/7 to symbolize the effort to eliminate nuclear power. The flame will burn until such weapons of mass destruction have disappeared. In a straight line behind the eternal flame is a cenotaph that contains the names of all of the victims of the bombing.

Looking through the cenotaph, there is a straight line where a fire erupted after the bomb detonated, and one can imagine the path of destruction that would have plagued the area.

The Peace Park was created by the city of Hiroshima to promote the abolishment of the usage of nuclear weapons and atomic power. “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” was the perfect blessing song to convey the compassion and sympathy that the group felt as we experienced the tragedy that unfolded in Hiroshima.

Despite the devastation that occurred at Hiroshima, the city has bounced back from the destruction into a beautiful city with a heartbreaking history.