News Release

Manhattan Project National Historical Park hosting days of Peace and Remembrance in 80th Anniversary Observance of Atomic Bombings of Japan

NPS

News Release Date: August 1, 2025

Contact: Daniel Banks, [phone]

Oak Ridge, Tennessee - Manhattan Project National Historical Park (NHP), in partnership with Pearl Harbor National Memorial (NM), will host "Days of Peace and Remembrance" across its three sites and at Pearl Harbor NM to commemorate and reflect on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. This commemorative programming 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 for somber, quiet reflection.

The Oak Ridge, TN site will host a sunrise bell ringing ceremony at dawn (6:47 am EDT) to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. This event will take place at the International Friendship Bell in AK Bissell Park and features music from an Oak Ridge Civic Music Association quartet. Members of the public are invited to ring the International Friendship Bell for whatever reason speaks to them personally.

Other Manhattan Project NHP sites and Pearl Harbor NM will host similar community events to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the bombings:

· August 7 (Los Alamos, NM) -The Los Alamos, New Mexico site will host a Lights for Peace event at Ashley Pond on August 7, 2025, at 7:00 pm MDT. Luminarias with messages of peace from the public will be displayed along a path that participants are encouraged to walk for a quiet, contemplative experience.

· August 8 (Honolulu, HI) – Pearl Harbor National Memorial, in Honolulu (Pearl Harbor), Hawaii will host a Lights for Peace event at 5:00 pm HAST.

· August 9 (Hanford, WA) – The Hanford, WA site will host a Lights for Peace event at the Fingernail Stage in Howard Amon Park in Richland, WA at 8:00 pm PDT. The program will feature music from the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers, a guest speaker, and an opportunity to ring a peace bell. Luminarias with messages of peace from the public will be displayed along a path that participants are encouraged to walk for a quiet, contemplative experience.

All Days of Peace and Remembrance events are free, and reservations are not required.

· Virtual Events - For those who are unable to attend the August event in person, a virtual bell ringing is available from 6:00 am EDT on August 6 through 11:59 pm PDT on August 9. A virtual Lights for Peace is available year-round.

For more information, please visit the Reflection & Remembrance page on the Manhattan Project National Historical Park website.

For more information or directions, please contact Manhattan Project National Historical Park at [phone]. Visitors are encouraged to visit our website for more information on the park. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ManhattanProjectNPS, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @MnhtnProjectNPS, or follow us on Instagram @manhattanprojectnps.