Report by Mr. Arber Fetiu, the City of Montreal, Canada
On Monday, August 5th, at 19:15 local time, a profoundly moving peace ceremony took place at Montreal’s Botanical Gardens to honor the victims of the Hiroshima bombing. Timed to coincide with 8:15 am on August 6th in Hiroshima, the event was held at the Japanese Pavilion. Montreal’s City Council President, Mrs. Martine Musau Muele, and Japan’s Consul General in Montreal, Mr. Akihiko Uchikawa, united in remembrance to mark the 79th anniversary of this tragic event. This solemn occasion stood as a powerful act of solidarity with the people of Hiroshima.
Montreal, a proud executive and lead member of the Mayors for Peace network, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace as Mrs. Musau Muele and Mr. Uchikawa together rang the Hiroshima peace bell, its resonant tones echoing through the gardens.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the ceremony drew numerous dignitaries and citizens, including a special delegation of young students from Hiroshima, who were visiting Montreal as part of an educational tour of the city.
In their remarks, Mrs. Musau Muele and Mr. Uchikawa underscored the profound significance of remembering Hiroshima, especially in these challenging times. Mrs. Musau Muele also commended the ongoing efforts of Mayors for Peace in their tireless pursuit of a better world, and she emphasized the crucial need to continue working for peace amidst today’s global uncertainties.
Photos: courtesy of the City of Montreal