London CND came together in Tavistock Square Gardens on 6 August, led by Vice Chair Hannah Kemp-Welch, to mark 80 years since the US bombing of Hiroshima. Tens of thousands were killed instantly, and in the months that followed, radiation sickness and cancer claimed the lives of over 140,000 people.
The memorial Hiroshima Cherry tree, which had adorned the Gardens for nearly five decades, had decayed during the year, and a focal point of this year’s commemorations was the planting of a new tree. Camden Mayor Eddie Hanson described how cherry blossom trees had been planted in peace parks across Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the decade after the bombs fell.
Bernard Miller, son of Cllr Millie Miller, who had planted the tree in 1967, explained, ‘cherry blossoms are therefore a symbol of peace and hope’. Out of such devastation ‘new life and beauty can grow if it is respected and nurtured like the cherry blossoms in Hiroshima today. Bernard wished ‘everybody courage and strength to fight for peace for the future – because we need it now more than ever before’.
Bernard Miller
A new cherry tree was then planted, followed by the traditional laying of wreaths by the Mayor and London CND Treasurer Phil Sedler. The commemoration then continued with prayers led by Reverend Nagase of the London Peace Pagoda, and speeches, readings, and performances. A full programme from the day can be found here.
