Messages of Peace

Each year the park hosts events for the public to write messages of peace on the bags used at the commemoration events.

NPS/MURPHY

 

Reflection

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

Messages of peace may inspire reflection for the person writing the message and the person reading it. Each year, the park hosts Days of Peace and Remembrance, which includes events at each park site to mark the anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in August 1945.  

The series of events focus on peace and remembrance in a manner that allows participants to privately walk paths lit by luminarias, ring peace bells, and reflect and contemplate on their own personal reasons for participating in these programs. Before the events, the public is invited to write messages of peace on the luminaria bags used in these programs. 

2023 Messages of Peace Events 

Oak Ridge, Tennessee  

As part of the observation in Oak Ridge on August 6, the park is soliciting Messages of Peace from the public. The sunrise bell ringing of the International Friendship Bell in Oak Ridge’s A.K. Bissell Park will be wreathed in luminarias adorned with messages of peace written by the community members.  

The park will have a booth at the Oak Ridge Farmers’ Market (Jackson Square, 281 Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830) on July 22, July 29, and August 5 from 8:00 to 11:00 am EDT for children and adults to draw or write their Messages of Peace.  

Luminarias are also available at the park’s visitor center within the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge (461 W. Outer Drive, Oak Ridge, TN 37830) Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm EDT. 

Los Alamos, New Mexico 

During the Lights for Peace program at Los Alamos on August 7, luminarias with messages of peace will line Ashely Pond. From July 22 thru August 5 luminaria bags will be available in the park’s Los Alamos visitor center (475 20th Street, Los Alamos, NM 87544). The visitor center is open Friday thru Monday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm MDT for children and adults to draw or write their Messages of Peace. 

Tri-Cities, Washington  

A path in Howard Amon Park will be lit with luminarias on August 9 as part of the Lights for Peace Program at Hanford. The park will host a Messages of Peace Program on August 5 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm PDT at the REACH Museum (1943 Columbia Park Trail Richland, WA 99353) for members of the public to write messages of peace on the luminaria bags. 

Visit the park calendar for a full schedule of all these events. 

By Mail 

If you cannot make it to one of our local events, you can submit a message of peace by mail. Please write your messages of peace on white paper bags, dimensions 6" x 3-5/8" x 11", and mail them to: 

Oak Ridge 

Manhattan Project National Historical Park 
ATTN: Messages of Peace 
461 W. Outer Drive 
Oak Ridge, TN 37830 
Please allow adequate time for the bag to arrive in Oak Ridge prior to August 6. 

Los Alamos 

Manhattan Project National Historical Park 
ATTN: Messages of Peace 
475 20th Street 
Los Alamos, NM 87544 
Please allow adequate time for the bag to arrive in Los Alamos prior to August 7. 

Hanford (Tri-Cities)  

Manhattan Project National Historical Park 
ATTN: Messages of Peace 
2000 Logston BLVD 
Richland, WA 99354 
Please allow adequate time for the bag to arrive in Oak Ridge prior to August 9. 

Virtually 

For those unable to attend local events or send in bags for luminarias, the park is asking for digital Messages of Peace. Please use the subject line: Message of Peace.