Days of Peace and Remembrance

Each year, the park hosts commemoration events to mark the atomic bombings of Japan by the United States during the waning days of WWII.

NPS/BURGHART

 

Reflection

• More Reflection
• Messages of Peace
• Seeds for Reflection
• Oak Ridge Bell Ringing
• Los Alamos Lights for Peace
• Hanford Lights for Peace
• Partners in Commemoration
• Virtual Lights for Peace

Each year, the park hosts "Days of Peace and Remembrance" across its three sites and with partner parks to commemorate and reflect on the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. Our commemorative programming at Hanford, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge acknowledges and interprets the conflicting viewpoints, both historical and modern, that surround the development and use of the world’s first atomic weapons. These events provide an opportunity to reflect on the historical and emotional traumas of the atomic bombings. 

 2023 Schedule of Events:  

The park will host multiple Messages of Peace programs that provide opportunities for community members to write messages on the luminaria bags that are used during the commemoration events held between August 6 and 9. Visit our Messages of Peace page to learn more about these events.  

Oak Ridge, Tennessee 

On August 6 the park will host a sunrise (6:48 am EDT) ceremony to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. The event will take place at the International Friendship Bell in Bissell Park and will feature music from an Oak Ridge Civic Music Association quartet. The ceremony will allow for somber, quiet reflection and members of the public are invited to ring the bell for any reason that speaks to them. One hour before dawn park rangers will light luminarias that have been decorated with messages of peace by community members. The luminarias will remain lit throughout the event.  

For those who are unable to attend the August 6 event in person a virtual bell ringing will be available from 6:00 am EDT on August 6 through 11:59 pm PDT on August 9.   

Los Alamos, New Mexico 

On August 7 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm MDT, the park will host Lights for Peace at Ashley Pond Park where luminarias (farolitos) with messages of peace and reflection will be lit along the path. The event is designed to be a quiet, introspective experience, providing the public with an opportunity to walk the lighted path in silence and have their own reflective experience based on their personal reasons for participating.  

Honolulu (Pearl Harbor), Hawai’i 

On August 8 the commemoration event will begin at 6:30 pm HST at the park’s visitor center. The public will be able to help place luminarias along the shoreline of Pearl Harbor and engage with National Park Service staff who will share stories of the peace and reconciliation that grew out of the harrowing reality of World War II. The public is welcome to come early and record their own messages of peace, reconciliation, and hope leading up to the evening program, which will end at 7:30 pm HST. For additional questions about this program, please email [e-mail]. 

Hanford (Richland), Washington  

On August 9 at 8:00 pm PDT, the park will host Lights for Peace at the Fingernail Stage in Howard Amon Park in Richland, Washington. The program will feature music from the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers, a guest speaker, and an opportunity to ring a peace bell. The public will also have an opportunity to walk a path lit with luminarias for a quiet, contemplative experience based on their own personal reasons for participating.