Hiroshima: Never Again

Each year on the sixth of August, people across the world turn their thoughts to the city of Hiroshima. At an event organised by Scottish CND, today, we join with others involved in commemoration ceremonies to remember the dropping of the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and the dropping of a second bomb on the city of Nagasaki three days later.

 

Nagasaki Stone and Peace Tree, Botanic Gardens 

We remember the tens of thousands of civilians who perished and contemplate the incredible hardships endured by the survivors, their families, and the generations to follow. Whilst reflecting on a tragic past, it is important to recognize what the citizens of Hiroshima have accomplished in rebuilding their great city. They also have a wealth of wisdom to share with all nations about the vital need for nuclear disarmament. For many decades, its mayors and concerned citizens have shared their legacy and appealed for urgent measures to outlaw all nuclear weapons. 

Their message is being heard. The testimonies of many hibakusha are being translated into several languages. The United Nations has just launched a multimedia website of hibakusha telling their stories. It is very important that these words be heard and understood in all countries, especially by the younger generation. We must continue to highlight the experiences of the people living in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to young people in support of efforts for a world free of nuclear weapons. 

Let us proclaim there must never be another nuclear attack – never. The elimination of such weapons is the most effective way to prevent their future use. 

Walk between Botanic Gardens to Kelvingrove Park 

People understand that nuclear weapons cannot be used without indiscriminate impacts on people and the environment.  We welcome the report by Scottish CND called "If Britain Fired Trident" which illustrates that an attack using 40 nuclear warheads, the normal complement on a Clyde-based Trident submarine, would result in 5.4 million deaths. It explains that humanitarian and emergency agencies would be unable to provide an adequate response. 

Peace Tree at Kelvingrove Park.

Nuclear weapons have no legitimate place in our world. Their elimination is both morally right and a practical necessity in protecting humanity.