The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons became international law on January 22 of this year. On August 6, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, people in the Rogue Valley will join with their sisters and brothers around the world in urging the nine nations that possess these terrifying weapons to ratify the treaty and end the threat of a global holocaust.
At the Ashland ceremony, a gong will sound at 8:15, the moment the bomb exploded over Hiroshima. Rev. Bret Strobel of Ashland First Methodist Church, will offer a spiritual reflection. Ashland City Council Member Shaun Moran, who lived for several years in Japan, will read the City’s proclamation recognizing August 6 as a day of remembrance and commitment.
Michael Niemann, retired SOU Professor of International Relations, will give a short account of the history and substance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the status of its ratification by world governments. There will also be a letter from the Mayor of Hiroshima, read by David Wick of the Ashland Citizens Peace Commission. The program will close with a traditional Japanese water ceremony.
