No more Hiroshimas! No more Nagasakis!
By Annie Boanas
“No more Hiroshimas! No more Nagasakis!”
This message was repeated over and over again during my recent two week trip to Japan. Julia Johnstone and I travelled to Nagasaki and Hiroshima for the World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs. We attended as representatives of the Peace Foundation and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, during the 60th Anniversary of the bombings.
As a young person working for peace, there are definitely moments where I get frustrated, overwhelmed and cynical. This trip to Japan provided an opportunity for me to connect with thousands of other young people who are passionate about peace. This experience reignited my hope and inspiration.
I delivered a speech in front of 3000 people at an international youth rally in Hiroshima, where I had the opportunity to network with youth and hear stories of what others are doing for peace.
We visited the Peace Museums in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki and listened to the stories from Hibakusha (survivors of the bombing). The symbolism of floating beautiful lanterns, with messages of peace, down a river where sixty years ago dead bodies floated in their place…these experiences were very powerful and very emotional and reinforced my sense of individual responsibility as part of the younger generation, to recommit myself and inspire others to take action for peace.
Annually, the world spends US$1 trillion on military, less than 10% of this budget could eliminate poverty. Today 30, 000 nuclear weapons exist, each having 200,000 times the force of the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. These weapons of mass destruction are ready to be used at the touch of a button.
It is crucial that young people get actively involved in these issues because it is us who carry the responsibility to help build a more peaceful world. Shed those feelings of complacency and realise you play a central role in creating a difference and you have the power to bring positive change.
