On Tuesday, the 6th of August, London CND hosted the annual Hiroshima remembrance commemorations in Tavistock Square. Singing through the rain, spirits undampened, Raised Voices opened a packed program of speeches, musical performances, and moments of reflection. Carol Turner, Chair of London CND, followed with opening remarks. Highlighting the 1985 Geneva summit that began a Soviet-US dialogue aimed at reducing nuclear risks, promoting non-proliferation and – eventually – nuclear disarmament, Carol reminded us of the pertinence of their words as relevant now as then: “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.” Following the laying of wreaths at the Hiroshima Cherry Tree, prayers were led by Reverend Gyro Nagase, offering a moment of spiritual reflection for all those in attendance.
Speeches continued with Kate Hudson, General Secretary of CND and Murad Qureshi, London CND Vice President. Kate recalled the horrors of Hiroshima but called on attendees not to be pessimistic in the face of nationalistic threats, emphasising the “global majority of peace” who want the abolition of nuclear weapons. Musical performances added thoughtful contributions. Hugh Goodwin, on guitar, offered a folk number, whilst Ann Garrett and Jenny Malca Brown led moving poetry titled Victims of Hiroshima and Excluded, respectively. Paul Steel rounded out performances with a touching number.
The event concluded with another performance by the Raised Voices choir. Hiroshima Day 2024 at Tavistock Square was a powerful reminder of the need for global nuclear disarmament and the importance of remembering the past to build a peaceful future. The event honoured the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki while reinforcing the resolve of those working to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
