"HIROSHIMA: Remembering the Past , Renewing the Call for Peace"

 REMEMBERING HIROSHIMA : A Day of Reflection , Peace and  Hope for a world free Nuclear Weapons

In August 1945, the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, forever changing the course of history. On August 6, the bomb Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima, killing around 140,000 people. Three days later, Fat Man hit Nagasaki, killing 70,000–80,000 more. These bombings forced Japan to surrender and ended World War II, but the human cost was immense. The devastation sparked global debates on the morality of nuclear weapons and has since become a powerful reminder of the need for peace and the dangers of nuclear war.

The memorial programs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki serve as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear war. By honoring the victims and educating future generations, these events promote peace and call for a world free from nuclear weapons. Through these efforts, Hiroshima and Nagasaki continue to inspire global action for disarmament, ensuring that the horrors of the past are never repeated.

Conducting a program on Hiroshima as  B.Ed. students offers a unique opportunity to not only teach important historical lessons but also to promote values of peace, empathy, and social responsibility among students. It aligns with the broader educational goals of fostering critical thinking, global awareness, and moral development, all of which are crucial for the formation of responsible, compassionate citizens.

Sadako Sasaki was a young girl who became a symbol of peace after surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. At the age of two, she was exposed to radiation from the bomb and later developed leukemia. While in the hospital, she began folding paper cranes, inspired by the Japanese legend that if you fold 1,000 cranes, your wish will come true. Sadako hoped the cranes would cure her, but she passed away at the age of 12, having folded 644 cranes. Her story touched hearts around the world, and today, Sadako is remembered as a symbol of peace. A statue of her holding a golden crane stands in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, and people continue to fold paper cranes to honor her and promote a world free of nuclear weapons.