Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence Cohosts Hiroshima Day Rally

On the 78th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima, Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence co-sponsored a Hiroshima Day rally at City Hall in Springfield, MA. Other organizing groups include Pax Christi, JustFaith Ministries, and the Agape Community. Around 50 participants came together to remember its impact and the impact it continues to have. Dr. Ira Helfand delivered a keynote speech on how we are closer to nuclear war than ever before. Other guest speakers, a dramatic reading, and prayer invited participants to reflect and call for change. Sr. Mary Caritas, SP, received a proclamation by the Springfield City Council from its President, Jesse Lederman, to honor her lifetime of working for peace as she celebrates her 100th birthday this month.

At the end of the event, people had the chance to grab a postcard to send to either Senator Warren or Senator Markey, to point out some likely nuclear bomb targets in Massachusetts and ask the lawmakers to introduce a Senate Companion to the “Back from the Brink Resolution.”

“A bomb exploding anywhere on this planet and then retaliation from that country to whoever dropped the bomb that would begin a nuclear winter which would then destroy life on the entire planet,” said Rev. Lauren Holm, one of the event managers.

“I think it’s important that we don’t separate ourselves as if we’re in this unique little box that’s special and protected. We’re not,” said Sr. Annette Mcdermott, SSJ, the lead event organizer.

Read more in Western Massachusetts News. 

Special thanks to Mike Moran, coordinator of Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence.

If you would like to form a local Campaign Nonviolence group, we invite you to check out our affinity groups program or send us an email: info(at)paceebene.org