Japan renews its vow to rid the world of nuclear weapons

To mark the 65^th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing, thousands of people have gathered in Hiroshima to pray for a world without nuclear arms and commemorate those who died during the bombings.

6 August 2010, 12:00am

1 min read

People started to gather near Peace Park, Hiroshima, early before dawn to light incense and pray at the commemoration ceremony venue. For the very first time, the United States sent a representative to the ceremony.

At quarter past eight this morning, the peace bell tolled and tens of thousands of elderly survivors, children and dignitaries held a minute of silence. The time commemorates when the bomb was dropped by the US b-29 Enola Gay.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan said in a speech: "With an eye on the future, the government will actively make specific suggestions for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and is determined to contribute to the formation of an agreement in the international community."

The Hiroshima bomb, nicknamed "Little Boy", had killed thousands instantly. By the end of 1945, the death toll had risen to some 140,000 out of an estimated population of 350,000. Thousands more died of illness and injuries later.

Japan renews its vow to rid the world of nuclear weapons

To mark the 65th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing, thousands of people have gathered in Hiroshima to pray for a world without nuclear arms and commemorate those who died during the bombings.

To mark the 65^th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bombing, thousands of people have gathered in Hiroshima to pray for a world without nuclear arms and commemorate those who died during the bombings.