Today is the 62nd anniversary of the dropping of the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. At 8.14 am local time, on 6 August 1945, the bomber Enola Gay dropped the device on the city. The impact and its immediate aftermath killed 70,000. In decades following, many more succumbed to the effects of radiation and disease.
Three days after Hiroshima, the city of Nagasaki was the target of the second nuclear bomb, Fat Man, which claimed a slightly lower number of casualties. On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its intention to surrender to the Allied powers. World War II effectively came to an end on September 2nd, when Japan signed the formal instrument of surrender.
Nuclear weapons have proliferated to an almost ridiculous degree, with a dangerous arms race between the Soviet Union and America, followed closely by the UK, France and China. Explosions of nuclear bombs on test ranges in the Pacific have claimed more lives since 1945. The detonation of all nuclear devices present on earth would destroy the planet. The man who was the scientist behind the atomic bomb cursed his own discovery. However, the German writer Friedrich Dürrenmatt pointed out in his work "Die Physiker" (The Physicists) that when mankind has made a discovery, it WILL be used - however evil its use. It cannot be undiscovered.
This entry is dedicated to the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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ReplyDeleteCarrie
I fully understand the mindset in which America choose the drop those bombs. I don't think most really in their inner most being understood what it would mean. That thier minds could really grasp it. I do hope that no man ever launches one again. - Barbara
ReplyDeleteJust think Guido this happened in my life time I was four and can vaguely remember it being spoken about ,but look at the outcome ...love Jan xx
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young I read a book written on Hiroshima from the viewpoint of the victims. It was truly horrific.
ReplyDeletePam
World War II was a horrible time and a very dark period in World history. The atrocities Germany and Japan perpetrated are beyond imagination. I'm thankful the Allied powers prevailed and thankful to all the Allied military personnel that served.
ReplyDeleteDirk
http://journals.aol.com/tsalagiman1/the-first-amendment-not-politi/