Rochester, New York— Seventy-four years ago, the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed, but the memories of the hundreds of thousands who died still live on today. Never to forget the impact of war, the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County will display the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition, an illuminating exhibit that can typically only be seen in Japan at its Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. For two weeks only, September 16—28, visitors will be able to see unique images and artifacts from those affected by the 1945 atomic bombings and learn about the historical event that has fostered international sentiment regarding the abolition of nuclear weapons.
On Thursday, September 19 at 12 pm, the exhibit will be accompanied by a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear from Sadae Kasaoka, one of the few living survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Kasaoka, a hibakusha (the Japanese term for A-bomb survivors), will share her experience and deliver testimony in hopes of a peaceful future.
“I want to tell the generations that do not know war: when I remember the A-bomb the tears come; when I talk my heart swells with grief,” says Sadae Kasaoka.
The Atomic Bomb Exhibition will also pay tribute to Sadako Sasaki, who was two years old when the bomb went off in Hiroshima. At the age of 12, she developed “atomic bomb disease,” also known as leukemia. In Japanese folklore it is believed if a sick person folds 1,000 paper cranes, then they will soon get well. After hearing the legend, Sadako decided to fold 1,000 cranes in the hope that she would get well. But she was unable to complete them before her death. In her honor, there will be 1,000 origami cranes on display in the Central Library, including one folded by Sadako, as well as President Barack Obama, which he created during his visit to Hiroshima.
The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition will be open for viewing starting Monday, September 16 on the second floor of the Rundel Memorial Building, 115 South Ave.
About the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the first cities in human history to experience atomic bombs. In an instant, the cities were completely devastated, and many lives were lost. The spirits and bodies of those who barely survived were wounded deeply, and the pain continues today. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum continues to appeal to the world that such a tragedy may never again occur on this planet.
