World should never fail to remember, according to Steinmeier
On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States military carried out the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, marking the only use of nuclear weapons in war to date. The bombings resulted in the near-total destruction of these cities, with tens of thousands of people dying instantly, and many more dying later due to the effects of radiation.
Eighty years later, the international community is reflecting on this tragic event, focusing on remembrance, honoring survivors, and calls for nuclear disarmament and peace. Major events are taking place across Germany to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombings.
Remembrance and honoring the victims and survivors are at the forefront of these events. The testimonies and peace messages of those affected are being preserved and carried forward. The international community is also emphasizing the need to eradicate nuclear weapons completely as a means to end the existential threat posed by nuclear conflict.
UN officials, including the Secretary-General's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, have echoed this plea. The Pope has gone a step further, calling for justice, open dialogue, trust, and fraternity to replace the "false sense of security" based on nuclear deterrence and mutual destruction. He highlighted the continuing threat of war and nuclear weapons today.
Participation in moments of silence and peace ceremonies, such as those at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Nagasaki Peace Memorial, underscores international solidarity and the moral imperative to prevent nuclear war.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged the international community to prevent the horrors of nuclear weapons from being used again. He emphasized that these events are not just a time to reflect on the past devastation but also a renewed call for global nuclear disarmament, peacebuilding, and justice to safeguard humanity’s future.
The long-term health effects of radiation exposure from the bombings are still being studied and addressed. These responses reaffirm that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki not only serve as a reminder of the past but also a call to action for the future.
The bombings also marked the beginning of the nuclear arms race. However, since then, no new nuclear weapons have been used in war. This anniversary serves as a reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons and the need for their elimination to ensure a peaceful and secure future for all.
- The international community, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, is emphasizing the need for nuclear disarmament, with German events focusing on preserving testimonies, peace messages, and promoting global eradication of nuclear weapons as a means to end nuclear conflict.
- From the continuous reflection on the atomic bombings, the international community is not only reminded of the past devastation but also encouraged to take action for the future, as the long-term health effects are still being studied, and the call for global nuclear disarmament, peacebuilding, and justice is renewed to safeguard humanity's future.
