Sixty-four years ago today was the date that a little Japanese city by the name of Hiroshima entered the world's consciousness forever. It was on August 6, 1945 that the plane Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb, resulting in the first use of a nuclear weapon in warfare and over 140,000 deaths almost immediate deaths.
It also happens to be the 119th anniversary of the first death penalty executed by electric chair, so today isn't exactly the brightest of days. ]]>
This morning marked the 62nd anniversary of the first war-time deployment of a nuclear weapon, when the United States detonated a fission bomb above Hiroshima. The city and its civilian population were decimated. (Three days later, the U.S. dropped another nuclear bomb on Nagasaki.) These days, tourists can visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a large complex of sculptures, gardens and memorials. Part of the park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, partially weathered the attack and still stands today and is recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Today's happenings:
· Guide to the Park [Official Site]
· Doves fly as Hiroshima delivers nuclear plea [SMH]
· Hiroshima marks 62nd anniversary of atomic bombing [IHT]
· HBO documentary on the attack plays tonight [HBO]
· Interview with the film's director [HuffPo]
[Photo: w00kie]]]>