"Hiroshima-Nagasaki: A Remembrance and a Commitment," Des Moines August 8, 2022

 

By Christine Sheller 

The Des Moines peace community was invited to “Hiroshima-Nagasaki: A Remembrance and a Commitment” at 7 pm, August 8, 2022 at the Japanese Bell of Peace and Friendship on the Iowa State Capitol Grounds.  Approximately 40-50 people attended on the pleasant evening, and attendees were able to partake in the sunset as well. 

                                                        (Krieg/ AFSC)

                                                            (Krieg/ AFSC)

There were several cosponsors: AFSC- Midwest Region, Catholic Peace Ministry, Center for Social Ministry, Church of the Brethren- Ankeny, Church Women United- DM Area Unit, Des Moines Sisters of Humility, Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace, Des Moines Intentional Eucharistic Community, Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting, First United Methodist Church- Outreach Committee, Iowa Peace Network, Methodist Federation for Social Action- Iowa, Middle East Peace Education Coalition, National Iranian- American Council, Plymouth Peace and Justice Committee, Stop the Arms Race Political Action Committee (STAR*PAC), and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)- DM Branch. 

 

                                                                (Krieg/ AFSC)

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the musician was not able to be there to offer gathering music.  People gathered with their lawn chairs and flowers (to later lay on the base of the bell.)  Tom Leffler, of STAR*PAC, gave the greeting and introduced Des Moines Mayor Cownie of Mayors for Peace.  Mayor Cownie expressed gratitude for this event, and quoted Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui in his remarks.  Next, Fr. David Polich shared a statement from Bishop Joensen for the occasion.  Next, Christine Sheller, coordinator at Iowa Peace Network, shared an excerpt from the Peace Proclamation made by the Mayor of Hiroshima (Kazumi Matsui) in his remarks, shared annually on the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.  After Sheller, Carmen Lampe Zeitler shared poetry.  She shared an inspiring poem by a Japanese woman survivor of the bombing.  Then Kathleen McQuillen shared a Reflection to action, bringing our attention to opportunities for action: from Back from the Brink 5 Step Campaign, Veterans for Peace Golden Rule Tour, Veterans for Peace Climate Crisis and Militarism project, and the opportunity to work to reinstate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)- the Iran Nuclear Deal. 

 

                                                     Mayor Cownie speaking (Krieg/ AFSC)

The last elements of the program included Eloise Cranke sharing the reading of the Bell Dedication, when it was first given from a sister state in Japan to Iowa, a thank you for a goodwill gift given to them in a time of disaster.  Next, Mary Koch shared a song “Peace Is Flowing Like  A River.”   Attendees were then invited to proceed to the steps of the Japanese Bell, to ring the bell, and lay flowers at the base. 

 

Ringing the bell (Kreig/ AFSC)

                                                            (Krieg/ AFSC)

Thanks to Kathleen McQuillen at Catholic Peace Ministry for leading the planning of this event.  Several others helped in planning and executing, including  individuals representing AFSC- Midwest Region, Iowa Peace Network, Methodist Federation for Social Action- Iowa, National Iranian-American Council, STAR*PAC, and WILPF- DM Branch. 

 

Christine Sheller is coordinator and editor at Iowa Peace Network.  She is an  M. Div. graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary, and is based both in Des Moines, and remotely in Eldora, Iowa.