How Fresno honored Nagasaki bombing 80th anniversary

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Saturday marked a somber day in world history. It is the 80th anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing. Folks in Fresno came together at the Shinzen Friendship Garden to remember the anniversary.

“The Human Rights Coalition of California is commemorating the Nagasaki bombing that happened 80 years ago today on August 9th, 1945. And it ends a three-day event that started at Fresno State, starting with the commemoration of the Hiroshima bombing as well,” President of the Shinzen Garden Brian Tsukimura said.

According to ICAN, nearly 74,000 people were killed in the Nagasaki bombing. Those in attendance said why they had to show up.

“It’s important to remember history. As the saying goes, if we don’t remember the lessons of history, then we’re doomed to repeat them,” attendee David Norris said.

An hour-long program, honoring the lives lost, was held for a crowd of about 80 people.

“We’re beginning with the drums that are absolutely fabulous. So they’ll get you just your blood pumping,” Co-Chair of the Human Rights Coalition of the Central Valley Bernadette Vazquez said.

“Folks were treated to unbelievable performances by Hope Garcia singing Imagine,” Tsukimura said.

“We’re going to end this program with a meditation accompanied by a harp,” Vazquez added.

The medley of guest speakers and performances was well received.

“It was very good. It was a lot of different perspectives of the way that we can learn to be people of peace,” Norris said.

Tsukimura tells YourCentralValley.com he’s hosted the Nagasaki bombing anniversary in the past, but this year was significant.

“Today we had the largest attendance we’ve ever had. And maybe because it’s Saturday, but I think it’s the 80th anniversary. And also there’s a lot of uncertainty in the world with a lot of wars that are occurring that could affect the United States,” Tsukimura said.

The hope is that, through remembering history, peace will prevail.