Nagasaki: Bell Rings Again 80 Years After Atomic Bomb

A memorial service was held in Nagasaki, 80 years after the atomic bombing. At 11:02 AM, the time of the explosion, a minute of silence was observed, and the cathedral bell rang for the first time since the destruction.

The cathedral had been destroyed by the atomic bomb and was restored in the spring by American Christians. The city's mayor, Shiro Suzuki, called for an end to armed conflicts.

The memorial ceremony was attended by delegations from over a hundred countries, including Russia and Israel. Atsuko Higuchi, a resident of Nagasaki, emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the events.

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral was rebuilt in 1959. Priest Kenichi Yamamura emphasized that the restoration shows the greatness of human existence and the need to heal the wounds of the past.

An American university professor, James Nolan, raised donations for the restoration of the bell, highlighting the history of the Christians of Nagasaki.