By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond Rotary is hosting a special bell ringing event at Shimada Friendship Park this week to commemorate 75 years of peace since the atomic bombs were released over Japan during WWII.
Set for Wednesday, Aug. 5, the bell ringing gathering will be a small and socially distanced solemn tribute that will start at 4 p.m. with violin music by Nakele Rechenauer. The music will be followed by brief remarks, the ringing of hand bells and then the sounding of the Richmond Rotary’s bell 75 times near the park’s original peace stones. A silent departure will occur at the conclusion of the tribute at approximately 4:20 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and bring hand bells.
Richmond Mayor and Rotary member Tom Butt and Hiroshima survivor and former club guest speaker Takashi Tanemori will be in attendance at the tribute.
According to Richmond Rotary President Stacey Street, the event is an opportunity “to show solidarity to our sister cities in Japan and pay tribute to the solemn 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
Those unable to join the Richmond Rotary at the park are invited to meditate silently or ring a bell at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday to pay tribute on the meaningful anniversary.
Shimada Friendship Park is located at Marina Bay Parkway and Peninsula Dr. in Richmond. Parking will be available in the park’s parking lot. Learn more about Richmond Rotary here.
