Service to remember victims of atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Remembrance service in Alexandra Park to remember those that lost their lives on Aug 6th/9th 1945 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Photo by Sid Saunders SUS-161008-081220001

Hastings Against War held the ceremony on August 9 in Alexandra Park by the boating lake.

The event marked the 71st anniversary of the destruction of Nagasaki by the United States, which followed the destruction of Hiroshima towards the end of the Second World War.

At least 185,000 people are thought to have died in the bombings, the fatalities being due to the initial blasts, the fires it caused and radiation sickness.

Around 100 people attended the ceremony including the mayor of Hastings Judy Rogers, who opened the ceremony, as well as the deputy mayor Nigel Sinden.

After singing Las Pasionarias, floating lanterns were set upon the surface of the lake at sunset in the traditional Japanese style. This was accompanied by flute music performed by Bernard Goldman with a composition of his own for the occasion.

This action is also undertaken in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as other cities around the world on the August 6 and 9.

Hastings Against War was founded in 2003 in response to the threat of the invasion of Iraq and now campaigns against the renewal of Trident, the arms trade and the use of drones.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @HastingsObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Hastings Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.