Nagasaki Memorial Day is an annual observance marked on August 9 that commemorates the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, a city in Japan. The bombing took place during World War II in 1945. This tragic event led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people and contributed to Japan's surrender, effectively ending the war. This was followed the bombing of Hiroshima three days earlier on August 6, 1945. Nagasaki was Japan’s major industrial and military port city, producing ships, military equipment, and other war materials.
Nagasaki Memorial Day 2024 Date
Nagasaki Memorial Day 2024 is marked on August 9.
Nagasaki Memorial Day History and Significance
The atomic bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki was code-named ‘Fat Man’. It was a plutonium implosion-type bomb, different from the uranium bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. The explosion caused widespread destruction, killing an estimated 40,000 people instantly. By the end of 1945, the death toll had risen to around 70,000 due to injuries and radiation sickness.
Nagasaki Memorial Day is an important day that pays tribute to the innocent lives that were killed in the tragedy. Survivors of the bombing, known as Hibakusha, faced long-term health issues. The annual event serves as reminders of the tragedy and urges people to reflect on the need for a world without nuclear weapons.
The day is marked with ceremonies and various activities aimed at promoting peace and remembering the victims of the deadly attack. The Nagasaki Peace Park and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum are central places for these observances, where survivors and visitors come together to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic event.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2024 12:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).