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.
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.
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)
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.
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