Hiroshima and Nagasaki 75th Anniversary Report

MAPA Newsletter August 2020

From August 6th to 9th, groups of peace activists gathered across the commonwealth, in person and online, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At over 22 events in over 12 towns, we made our voices clear: no more nuclear weapons!

In Cambridge… 

Activists gathered outside Raytheon to demand they cease and desist from profiteering off the development of nuclear weapons. After a sidewalk standout and a rally in the parking lot, a cease and desist letter with over 100 signatures was delivered to staff.

Later in the day, we reconvened for a night of speakers, music and remembrance. Ray Matsumiya, Karlene Griffths Sekou of BLM Boston, Jean-Luc Pierite of the North American Indian Center of Boston, Nick Rabb of Sunrise Boston, and Harold Adams of the Committee of Friends and Relatives of Prisoners were among the speakers. Local duo Miele gave a musical performance.

In Watertown,

MAPA joined Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment to hear from more speakers and float homemade candle boats on the Charles River, a longstanding tradition stemming from Hiroshima. Check out this video from Boston 25 News:

In Bedford And Walpole,

Activists gathered at 8:15 am, the exact moment the bomb went off at Hiroshima. The bells tolled and at First Parish in Bedford for a moment of silence, and in Walpole, citizens called for an end to the $1 trillion nuclear weapons refurbishment, to support nuclear ban treaties, and to redirect money to fund human services, so urgently needed in this time of the pandemic.

In Andover, Waltham, Fall River, and Newton,

Vigils were held in remembrance of the tragic events.

In Western Mass,

The Resistance Center held events in Greenfield, Montague, and Easthampton