We Remember

63 years ago today (August 6, 1945), on the Feast of the Transfiguration, a US bomber dropped an atomic bomb called "Little Boy" on Hiroshima. "Little Boy" had an estimated equivalent explosive force of 12,500 tons of TNT. It is estimated that 140,000 people died. Hiroshima became the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack.

On August 9, 1945, a second atomic bomb called "Fat Boy" was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. The original target city, Kokura, could not be reached because of weather problems and Nagasaki was selected as the alternative target. Estimates generally put the number of deaths around 80,000. "Fat Boy" was more powerful than "Little Boy," but was accidentally dropped on the outskirts of the city, lessening the amount of deaths.

It is estimated that out of every 6 deaths in the bombings, 5 were civilians and 1 was military.

On a visit to Hiroshima in 1981, Pope John Paul II said: "To remember the past is to commit oneself to the future. To remember Hiroshima is to abhor nuclear war. To remember Hiroshima is to commit oneself to peace."

And so I urge you to remember on this 63^rd Anniversary:

• Read John Dear's weekly column marking this anniversary.
• Research what the US Bishops say about nuclear weapons.
• Read this article on the Myths of Hiroshima.
  
• Make a Virtual Visit to Hiroshima. The Kids section is especially worth your time. (Make sure to click on the button for the English version of the page!)
  
• Make peace cranes to send to the Children's Museum in Hiroshima.
• Most importantly, remember the victims of these bombings and all violent conflicts in your prayers.

Loving God. You have loved us into being. Help us in turn to love all our brothers and sisters. We remember especially today all those members of our global family who have died in conflict and war. Grant us the strength and wisdom to use our gifts, so that together we may transform our world through the bonds of peace and the love that comes from you.

Amen. Shalom. Amen.