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2017 Peace Lantern Ceremony

Over 50,000 have RSVPd on Facebook to partake in this waterfront ceremony at sunset
By - posted 8/4/2017 No Comment

Decorate free candlelight peace lanterns to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima (Aug. 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (Aug. 9, 1945) at this Japanese-style peace event.

Free materials will be provided to create lanterns, which will then be sent out into the water at sunset during a formal ceremony. There will also be a reading of a message sent by the mayor of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, along with a musical performance, and an informational display about nuclear arms.

Japanese Peace Lantern Ceremony
Saturday, August 5, 2017 | 6:30 pm
Aquatic Park, Berkeley
FREE, but donations are gladly accepted. Registration is optional, but it gives them an idea how many people to expect.

2017 Program

  • 1-6:30 pm: Set up > Volunteers needed
  • 6:30–8 pm — Decorating shades for floating peace lanterns & view information display about nuclear arms
  • 7–8 pm — Ceremony:
    • Hibakusha, survivors of the Japanese atomic bombings
    • Music by Heiwa (Peace) Taiko
    • Messages from the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
  • 8-9 pm: Floating of the Lanterns
  • 9–10:30 pm: Breakdown > Volunteers needed