Report by Mr. Florian Guillon, the City of Varennes-Vauzelles, France
On August 6, 2025, the mayor of the city, Mr. Olivier Sicot, the municipal team, the elected members of the youth municipal council, the community agents, the local memory and peace associations, as well as the inhabitants of the commune, paid tribute to the victims and the bereaved families of the atomic bombings on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, 80 years to the day after the worst tragedy in human history.
To keep this memory alive, the City of Varennes-Vauzelles, as part of its commitment to the global Mayors for Peace network, wished to commemorate this tragic event for the first time in its history. This commemoration was intended to remember the victims, celebrate peace, and also highlight the courage of the survivors, who, through their testimonies and commitment, campaigned throughout their entire lives for an end to the use of nuclear weapons and against all wars.
After speeches by Mr. Florian Guillon, City Councilor Delegate for the Culture of Peace, and Mayor Sicot, Meïssa, a young peace ambassador in Varennes-Vauzelles, explained what peace meant to her in a genuine and sincere message. Then, Ellie, elected to the youth city council, read the testimony of Ms. Toshiko Tanaka, 87, an artist and survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima—a moment rich in emotion. She was only 6 years and 10 months old on the morning of the tragedy.
A minute of silence was then observed for the victims of the two atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, before the Japanese and French national anthems were played. The ceremony on the Esplanade was closed by the release of biodegradable balloons in the colors of the Japanese flag, with a message of peace attached to the string.
Finally, participants shared a “glass of peace,” featuring Japanese flavors, before the broadcast of a video message from Mr. Hiroyuki Yamaya, Minister and Director of the Communications and Culture Department of the Embassy of Japan in France, who highlighted the work of the City of Varennes-Vauzelles and thanked the residents for all the actions undertaken to promote a culture of peace.
Photo: courtesy of the City of Varennes-Vauzelles