81st Anniversary Hiroshima-Nagasaki Floating Candle Commemoration - Free

Interfaith commemoration of Hiroshima-Nagasaki atomic bombings, with floating candle ceremony, interfaith speakers, & pre-event drum circle
About this Event

81st Anniversary Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration, with pre-event Drum Circle

Join Louisville's annual Hiroshima–Nagasaki Commemoration on Saturday, August 8 at 7pm at the pond at Thurman-Hutchins Park in Louisville, hosted by Interfaith Paths to Peace (IPP). Each year, communities around the world observe these anniversaries with floating lantern ceremonies – a tradition rooted in East Asian cultures that symbolizes remembrance, hope, healing, and renewal. This is a free, all ages event that is open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged. (Optional donations to Interfaith Paths to Peace may be made when RSVPing.)
At a time when division and the threat of nuclear conflict continue to shape our world, this gathering offers an opportunity to come together in hope and say: Never Again.

Program highlights:

• Music, and spiritual reflections by a diverse representation of faith leaders, including , and more.
• Keynote speaker: Local artist and author will speak about her father Alfred S. Withrow's role in the development of the atomic bomb and its impact on her family.
• At dusk (approximately 8:45pm): a lantern-lighting ceremony on the pond.

A pre-event drum circle, "Circles for Peace" Drum Circle will take place beginning at 4:30pm. All are invited to participate!

NOTE: Parking is available on site, but there are no amenities. Please bring lawn chairs, blankets, water, snacks, and flashlights if you plan to stay after dusk.

Agenda

🕑: 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Pre-Event Drum Circle, "Circles for Peace." Interactive, all welcome!
🕑: 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Hiroshima–Nagasaki Commemoration Program w/ Lantern Lighting Ceremony

Info: 7pm: Interfaith reflections by local spiritual leaders (including “Ceremonial Sundance Chief” Steve McCullough a.k.a. Iktomi Sha); Keynote Remarks by local artist and author Jill Baker about her father Alfred S. Withrow's role in the development of the atomic bomb, and its impact on her family. At dusk: Lantern-lighting ceremony on the pond.