Winnipeg Lanterns for Peace 2023

78 years ago, the world was introduced to the horrors of nuclear war. The death, destruction and suffering that resulted from the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, on Aug 6 and 9, 1945 meant that the world had changed for the worse. Nothing would ever be the same. The mushroom clouds that arose over Japan cast a shadow that menaces every living creature, even today.

In 1945 the United States had a monopoly on nuclear power; today, nine countries have their own nuclear arsenals and many more, via NATO, are set up to use these weapons. Even more alarming is the present conflict in Ukraine which pits a nuclear armed Russia against a nuclear-armed NATO.

Therefore, we gather annually to remember people whose lives were lost in August 1945, to remember the survivors whose lives were unalterably damaged, and to reaffirm our commitment to the abolition all nuclear weapons.

Please join us for our annual Lanterns for Peace ceremony. Beginning at 7:30 pm we paint lanterns and make origami cranes. (We provide the art supplies; you contribute your imagination and creativity.) At 9: 15 pm, following a short program of speeches, we float our lanterns in the fountain as the sun sets. (Note: If you wish to be seated during the speeches, please bring a lawn chair.)

It is a beautiful ceremony, rich with meaning and one which can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you have never been to one, here is a playlist of videos of Lantern Ceremonies over the years.

Date: Wednesday, Aug 9, 2023
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: the south side of the Manitoba Legislative Building

Sponsors: Peace Alliance Winnipeg, Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba, Winnipeg Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)