12-hour vigil set to observe 70th Hiroshima anniversary
Wilmington College will observe the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan with a 12-hour vigil highlighting the stories of survivors Aug. 6, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., in Harcum Gallery, Boyd Cultural Arts Center.
Sponsored by the Peace Resource Center, the event will feature some 70 persons reading five to 15-minute pieces that reflect what survivors experienced on those horrific days seven decades ago and during the aftermath of the United States military’s bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which hastened the end of World War II.
Long-time peace/nonviolence advocates Larry and Lenna Mae Gara will begin reading survivor testimonials at 8:15 a.m. — the time of the first detonation over Hiroshima — with WC President Jim and Sue Reynolds presenting the final readings beginning at 7:05 p.m.
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Other readers will include Jerry Leggett, director of the Dayton International Peace Museum, as well as a host of persons from the campus and greater Clinton County communities, other area colleges and communities and several persons of Japanese descent residing in America.
A closing ceremony following the readings will feature a live performance by sound artist Kiku Hibino of Oto Music in Chicago. He is known for combining social consciousness with unique presentations of sound.
The vigil will coincide with a commemorative, atomic bombing exhibit, courtesy of the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Museum, held in the neighboring Meriam R. Hare Quaker Heritage Center. The exhibit will run Aug. 3 through 8, 14 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, it will be open Aug. 6 from 8:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.