Hundreds gather at Green Lake on 77th anniversary of atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Seattle, WA. – Hundreds of people gathered at Green Lake on Saturday night to honor those who lost their lives in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as others lost to violence by floating lit lanterns with calligraphy and messages of hope. From Hiroshima to Hope were the main organizers of the event.

As people handed their lanterns to volunteers of the organization to be placed in the water, a sense of solemnness and hope filled the air, which got many people emotional.

“This is my first time to come here and it’s kind of emotional,” attendee Seigl said.

While the lanterns were a beautiful sight, many like Chris Allegri with From Hiroshima to Hope say the images of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will never be forgotten.

“These are the most terrible thing that humans can do to each other. And people need to see this and get reminded of this,” Allegri said.

Allegri says it’s important to educate people about the tragedy. He believes by doing that, people can realize that violence of any kind is never the answer.

“As humans, what our purpose is, is to try to make the world a better place. And I think we are accomplishing that,” Allegri said.

The event also drew many families of all backgrounds and ages, which had people like Tomoko feeling grateful for the sense of community.

“I’d like to tell all of my friends in Japan that … I would like to show them … how many people are participating,” Tomoko said.

With that, many hope peace can be achieved throughout the globe.

“World peace is possible. I think we are capable of it. I can only hope we are capable of it,” Allegri said.

“As we are all praying for peace,” Tomoko said.

Before the lantern lighting, From Hiroshima to Hope held a ceremony with music, poetry, and other acts remembering the bombings and honoring Japanese culture as well.

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