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HIROSHIMA DAY 2020

Each year, ever since 2005, as August 6th, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, comes round, Hastings against War has launched lanterns at sunset on the boating lake near the War Memorial in Alexandra Park, Hastings, to remember victims of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and to unite with the Japanese tradition of floating lanterns.

Click here for pictures of the commemoration in 2019.
In 2020 - the 75th anniversary of the first nuclear bomb - the Borough Council has asked us, on Health and Safety grounds, not to float lanterns on the lake. In addition, the need for social distancing meant no speeches, no choirs to sing along with, and no gathering in the Meeting House to construct lanterns in advance.
Instead supporters brought their own home-made lanterns. Origami and decorated food tubs, all incorporating tea-lights, appeared during the evening.

A particular delight this year has been the presence of Japanese supporters, whose lanterns were outstanding.
We walked in silence round the boating lake, keeping a 2-metre social distance, each carrying a lantern and placing it along the path close to the water's edge.
We continued to circulate until the circumference of the lower lake was surrounded by lanterns shining out across the water their message of peace and hope.
We are grateful to all who joined us during the evening; especially to Stuart Rayment who provided pictures for this web page.

We look forward to the end of the shutdown, and the return of choirs and of official civic support.

See the reports in Hastings Online Times and in Hastings in Focus