Report by Ms. Bruna Rondoni, the City of Cervia
On the 4th anniversary of the entry into force of the TPNW, the fifth-grade students of the “M. Buonarroti” school in Cervia, in collaboration with the Municipality of Cervia and Mayors for Peace, connected with Ms. Teruko Yahata, a survivor of the atomic explosion in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
For many years, Ms. Yahata, a hibakusha (a survivor of atomic radiation), has tirelessly worked as a volunteer to share her experience, especially with future generations, hoping that they will pass it on to their families, friends, and acquaintances. With great energy and courage, she continues to tell what happened during the explosion of the atomic bomb and in the days that followed, the strength she had to summon to help other people affected by the terrible radiation, and the hibakusha’s wish: “no one else should suffer as we have”.
Here are the messages from the students after her testimony: “The connection was very moving for how she told her experience as a survivor. Teruko Yahata sent us her message of peace that will certainly never be forgotten by us students. Nuclear weapons must not be used, it is necessary to create and transmit peace, because it is within us, that is, in the hearts of all men. We in Montaletto will work to ensure that Italy ratifies the treaty against nuclear weapons”
Also present at the meeting was Councilor for Peace Michela Brunelli, who declared: <<We are very proud to see how strong the desire is in the students to know and study the themes of peace and non-violence. It is essential to always keep attention high to ensure that the tragedy of the atomic bomb is never forgotten and never happens again, renewing the commitment to create a world of peace free from nuclear weapons. We thank the students, the teachers of the Montaletto school, the Headmistress of IC Cervia2 Barbara Calcagno, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and in particular Mrs. Teruko Yahata, who with her words moved us and touched us deeply. A great lesson that we take to heart and that we must never forget>>.
Photos: courtesy of the City of Cervia