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Lanterns launched at Nanaimo lagoon, symbolizing desire for world peace

Lanterns for Peace ceremony was held Saturday, Aug. 6

Community members in Nanaimo floated flickering lights over the water and expressed hope for world peace.

Lanterns for Peace, organized by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, was held Saturday, Aug. 6 at Sway’ A’ Lana Lagoon. The event is held each year on the same date to remember the first atomic bomb being dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945, and the tens of thousands of people who died immediately and in the aftermath.

Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog read out an official Hiroshima Day proclamation and noted that city council recently reaffirmed its wishes to keep the City of Nanaimo a nuclear-free zone.

“I know it’s a gesture, it’s not going to save us, but you know what? From small gestures sometimes come great things,” he said.

Krog said he’s observed that people from across the political spectrum share a desire for peace.

“That’s what this event attracts, is people who still care and understand that in these troubled times, you need to gather and reinforce love for each other, love for peace and love for democracy,” the mayor said.

Tami Hirasawa, president of the Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Cultural Society, also spoke at the event and promoted an Aug. 9 webinar at http://hiroshimadaycoalition.ca.

“As a Japanese-Canadian person living in Nanaimo, this event gives me great hope for the future of our city and I’m very proud to be living in Nanaimo right now,” she said.

OPINION: Peace ceremonies can help light a path



editor@nanaimobulletin.com

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