How do you talk about visiting Hiroshima? How does it feel to be standing at "ground zero" of the first atomic bomb blast aimed at decimating a city and its inhabitants? It feels eerie and uncomfortable and unsettling - yet hopeful. Each blade of grass, sturdy tree and flower bed is like a miracle. A large prosperous city stands where there were ashes. Several rivers lead to a beautiful and bustling harbor; trolley cars click-clack down the thoroughfares; high rise office towers and apartment buildings sparkle; the sun shines on Hiroshima.
In what was the epicenter of the explosion, the city of Hiroshima has created a Peace Park filled with a museum and several monuments in remembrance of those who perished and to nuclear disarmament and world peace.
The A-bomb Dome is the only remnant of the city's fate. And it has been left alone and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the glorious weather and spit and polish evident in the new city, I could not escape a feeling of being haunted by the suffering of those who were killed and injured in the blast.
View of the A-bomb Dome (Hiroshima Industrial Promotion Hall)
Rich and Max by the Flame of Peace
(to be extinguished only when all nuclear weapons on earth are eliminated)
A-bomb Dome and Flame of Peace seen through the Cenotaph
(A memorial containing the names of the victims)
On a lighter note - happy and running in Peace Park
Max in Peace Park entertaining schoolchildren on a field trip
A happy moment
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