“What we can do may be limited, however, we hope that everybody will contribute in their own way.”īlangiardi noted the deep ties forged between Honolulu and Hiroshima since the bombing, all of which range from joyous to painful. “Even though we have different perspectives, we are all wishing for a peaceful and harmonious society,” Umitani said. Establishing Honolulu and Hiroshima’s sister-city relationship in 1959, as well as observing ceremonies such as Monday’s where leaders of various religions are brought together, all foster steps toward peace, he said. One of the first steps toward a peaceful society is understanding rather than criticizing the strengths and weaknesses of others, said Buddhist Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. Other guest speakers included 2004 Honolulu-Hiroshima student exchange program delegate Jen Townsend, as well as Christian, Buddhist, Jewish and Shinto religious leaders. The afternoon ceremony opened with a Shinto blessing and purification ceremony performed by Bishop Daiya Amano of Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii. “May this commemorative service and the bonds between Hiroshima and Honolulu continue to inspire us to build a world free from the horrors of war.” “As we reflect on the past, let us also look to the future with unwavering determination,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who gave the event’s keynote speech. 6, 1945, atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, bringing together leaders from various walks of life, each of whom shared their messages of peace and remembrance for those affected by the tragic event. The annual event commemorates the 78th anniversary of the Aug. Attendees of the 34th annual Hiroshima Peace Ceremony took turns ringing the Hiroshima Peace Bell replica outside the Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii on Monday.
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