NPDC commemorates 75th anniversary of Hiroshima bombing
By Hanah Tabios
The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), in partnership with Peace Wave Philippines, commemorated Thursday the 75th anniversary of the World War II bombing of Hiroshima.
The ceremony was held at the Japanese Garden inside Luneta Park, which was built to promote friendship and tolerance between the Philippines and Japan.
The said garden showcases the Hiroshima Stone as donated by the Stone for Peace Association of Hiroshima.
The country's tourism department simultaneously joined a commemoration ceremony at Hiroshima City's massive Peace Memorial Park to offer prayers and flower offerings.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was developed around the Atomic bomb dome, one of the few remaining structures that survived the deadly blast.
The Atomic bomb dome is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In a virtual message, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda thanked the NPDC for its continuous efforts to remember those who have perished in the destructive bombing.
“We are sending our deepest gratitude to the National Parks Development Committee for the graceful efforts in commemorating this very important occasion,” he said, citing how the event reduced the city to ashes and ruthlessly denied victims of their dreams and bright futures.
The bombing occurred in the morning of August 6, 1945, with American bomber Enola Gay dropping a five-ton atomic bomb called “Little Boy” destroying almost the entire city. Historic accounts said the blast was equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT.
Until now, the exact mortality rate remains unknown, although some estimated around 80,000 died instantaneously in Hiroshima and about 40,000 more suffered the same fate in the city of Nagasaki three days later.
“Even those who survived the tragedy suffered hardships indescribable by mere words. The twin tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki due to nuclear weapons must not happen again," Haneda said. "As the only country to have experienced dreadfulness of nuclear destruction and war, Japan will steadfastly continue its efforts to create a world free of nuclear weapons. This is Japan's unchanging mission, we must make this world peaceful and deeming it with hope,” he added.