Walking into the Memorial Peace Park in Hiroshima, Japan I fully expected my classmates and I to get dirty looks we were in fact Americans and our relatives may have helped in the development of the atomic bomb, that had destroyed so many Japanese lives. Instead we were greeted with smiles. A group of elementary school children spotted us and asked in English if we would help them with their homework. They were learning about the different cultures and geographical locations of people. They shared bright smiling faces with us and thanked us for our help.
â–º honorable mention 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
We continued walking and came upon a beautiful manmade fountain. In the middle of the fountain, there appeared to be a small bonfire on a stand. Asking the tour guide about it I found out that this flame was more than just a spontaneous burn rather a necessity to the park. This flame was a wish, a hope, and a prayer. The flame was to burn until all nuclear weapons were destroyed in every country. Unfortunately most of the Japanese around me viewed it as an eternal flame. In their minds as sad and scary as it was, the flame would burn until the end of time. That brought sadness to my heart although I hated to admit it their thoughts were probably correct. Nuclear war seems to have become the war of the future.
We walk a couple more steps and came to a small concrete arch. Looking through it I see the flame and one of the only buildings left standing after the bomb. This building’s insides were completely wiped clean yet the building still stands. A ghost of the past. A symbol of devastation. Under the arch, there are bottles of water for all the victims of the bomb because that is what all of them longed for. After the bomb, people that hadn’t suffered sudden death journeyed to the river hoping for relief of their thirst. Unfortunately, radiation poisoning was in the river and those who made it through the blast died from the water’s poisons.
The last thing we saw was the Children’s Peace Monument that had been solely funded by the children of Japan. On an architectural level, this was a beautiful monument. Made of three connecting arches it stood two and a half stories tall. On the top, there was a metal sculpture of Sadako Sasaki, a young Japanese girl that had been at home when the bomb had gone off. She survived the blast and showed no signs of radiation poisoning until she was twelve and developed radiation-induced leukemia and passed away in 1955.
Above Sadako’s head is a golden paper crane. The crane holds special meaning for the children of Japan and there is a legend that if you fold a thousand you get a wish. Sadoko folded cranes until her death but she fell short of a thousand. Her classmates folded the last of them and buried them with her. My group delivered all of our paper cranes we had made in class putting them in a special glass case where people from all around the world brought cranes in memory of the lost children. Seeing all the cranes made me feel all the love that the world has for one another even if we don’t always see eye to eye.
In this one park I felt the love and sadness of the world. The hope to no more hate and the wish for no more crying. We live in a beautiful, world shouldn’t we make it last for many generations to come.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Memorial Peace Park In Hiroshima”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Harbin Ice Festival seems exciting. I want to join.
Hello! I’ve been following your web site
for some tme now and finally got the bravry to go
ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas!
Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic job!
wow ..enjoyed.looking forward for next blog..
Choosing the Best Travel Backpack is essential for a pleasant experience. Pick based on your travel needs, style, and interests. You may confidently and easily plan for your next vacation with the best travel backpack.
I want to do this type of ski , because I want to do this activity one time in our life
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Cruise Vacations Directory: Setting Sail for a Fun Adventure <Liked it!
Thank you so much for your great article..This is giving us clues for our future tourism perspective and keeping us updated.. Thanks a lot.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after going through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
Thank you for providing these details.
My brother recommended I might like this website. He was totaly right.
This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I
had spent for this information! Thanks!
whoah this weblog is wonderful i like studying your articles.
Keep up the great work! You understand, many people are searching round for
this information, you could hellp them greatly.
Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would
value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
Planning a bucket-list adventure? Let’s dive in! From secret flight deals to off-peak gems, these hacks are our compass. Picture sunrise hikes, hidden cafes, and maps scribbled with dreams. So pack light, dream big, and let the world unfold, one hack at a time!
In the quiet of night, meteors streak across the sky, a celestial dance choreographed by the universe. And then there are fairy rings, circles of mushrooms, whispered secrets from the forest floor. But amidst these wonders, there’s another magic: fatherhood. It’s like RVing through life, a journey of discovery, laughter, and love. So let’s embrace the art of wonder, both cosmic and familial.
As a family, we’re not just travelers; we’re stewards of the planet. From reusable water bottles to supporting local artisans, our journey leaves a gentle footprint. Let’s explore, learn, and protect—because sustainable travel isn’t just a trend; it’s our legacy.
Picture this: wheels rolling, laptop humming, and the open road as our office. For a year, our family worked remotely from our cozy camper. It wasn’t just about Wi-Fi signals; it was about sunrises over mountains, campfire brainstorming, and shared laughter. We learned that work isn’t confined to cubicles, it’s wherever our hearts roam.
In Salem, MA, October casts a bewitching spell. Amid historic streets, the Witches of Salem weave magic—psychic fairs, spirited soirees, and sacred rites. It’s a season where history whispers, and the veil between worlds thins.
As a family, we’re not just travelers; we’re stewards of the planet. From reusable water bottles to supporting local artisans, our journey leaves a gentle footprint. Let’s explore, learn, and protect—because sustainable travel isn’t just a trendk, it’s our legacy.
When wanderlust calls, these sites answer. From Expedia to Kayak, they weave magic into your getaways. Picture flights, hotels, and car rental. All bundled up like a gift waiting to be unwrapped. So go ahead, chase sunsets and collect memories. Your dream vacation awaits!
Picture this: snow-capped peaks, crisp air, and the thrill of gliding down pristine slopes. That’s what awaits at South America’s ski resorts. From Chile’s Portillo to Argentina’s Cerro Catedral, these resorts weave magic for snow enthusiasts. So grab your gear, chase the powder, and let the Andes embrace you!
Legoland California isn’t just a theme park; it’s a canvas where kids paint their dreams with Lego bricks. From the Technic Coaster’s gentle thrill to the Dragon Coaster’s whimsical castle ride, every moment is a memory etched in joy. And as parents? We pedal, laugh, and become part of the magic. Legoland, you’ve got our hearts, one brick at a time!
Summer vacations are a canvas for unforgettable family adventures. From exploring Alaska’s glaciers to savoring Parisian cuisine the possibilities are endless.
Watching rocket launches is an exhilarating experience that fuels our curiosity about the cosmos. ? Whether you’re at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida or gazing from afar the thrill of liftoff transcends age and ignites wonder.
Celestyal Cruises offers an unforgettable journey to the heart of Greece and the Mediterranean. With warm hospitality, authentic experiences, and award-winning service, they make every moment aboard a heavenly escape.
Awesome places to go to
This post iis priceless. How can I find out more?
Excellent site. Plenty of useful information here. 68971741
Love travelling with my family as well! Thank you for sharing your stories!
Insightful and useful – that’s what I admire about
your posts. This one on this subject is no different.
The tips and recommendations you offer are practical and create
a real impact.
Heya i’m forr the firsxt time here. I came across this board and I find It
really usefu & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid
others like you aided me.
Very nice article, totally what I was looking for.
check out this best tours in Canada for you or for your family https://seasonalholidaysinn.com/
A very helpful website! A good article to share the beautiful places suitable for all types of vacations.
La meilleure facon de s’enrichir rapidement !
A good website! A good article to share the beautiful places suitable for Spring Break. I think Tibet China, is also a good place for Spring Break.
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article!
It’s the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks
a lot for sharing!
Thank you for posting this.
For family travel I would advise to go to Switzerland. For example, the Berner Oberland is perfect also for kids. Best place I’ve ever been.
They have made significant investments in technology upgrades, port and destination projects, and more to achieve net carbon-neutral operations. They have committed to using innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, including using new propulsion fuels and special hull paint to reduce friction. They are also working with ports to support their shore power development efforts.
Planning an Alaska adventure can be a daunting task but it sounds like you’re looking for some fun activities for kids in Alaska. The trip is guaranteed to be one for the memory books. Carnival cruise passengers get an up-close view of glaciers on an Alaska adventure aboard Native American canoes.
Galveston is a great place for family reunions. If you’re looking for a fun and affordable place to host your family reunion, Galveston is definitely worth considering!
This trip is designed to provide a fun and engaging experience for the whole family, with activities that cater to both kids and adults. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable family vacation, a family magic rafting trip is definitely worth considering!
If you’re looking for a unique and indulgent way to explore Halong Bay, the Ambassador Overnight Cruise is definitely worth considering!
If you’re looking for a unique and sustainable adventure that your family will never forget, UnCruise Adventures is definitely worth considering!
It sounds like you’re looking for a last-minute summer vacation deal. You can find some great deals on destinations across the USA, from California to Florida, New York, Las Vegas, and more. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and plan around 6 weeks ahead of departure. You may even find incredible deals on last-minute vacations up to 1 week before you plan to travel if you are flexible with your destination. From budget-friendly breaks to vacations that are all about pure indulgence.
It sounds like San Diego is offering some great deals and fun festivals for kids. Some of the attractions that are offering free admission for kids include the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego. Additionally, there are other fun activities such as axe throwing and film festivals that are sure to keep kids entertained. If you’re looking for a fun family outing, San Diego is definitely worth considering!