Hiroshima and Nagasaki 75 years on

Posted: 16th July 2020

In 1945, the United States Air Force dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with tragic and devastating consequences. Hundreds of thousands of people died, many instantaneously, others soon after from burns and shock, and yet more from the impact of radiation in the months and years that followed. 

75 years later, 14,000 nuclear weapons still threaten our survival, even though the majority of people in the world and their governments support an international ban on their development, possession and use.

CND today launches an exhibition commemorating the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including testimonies and artefacts from survivors. It also includes the history of what happened and challenges the often repeated defence of the attack: that the nuclear bomb was necessary to end the Second World War.  

View the exhibition

Peace Wave

The anniversary of the dropping of the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is commemorated across the world. And this year, an international joint grassroots action will allow people – wherever they are – to join together in one action. Can you join in the Peace Wave?

CND is calling on our supporters to mark the moments that the bombs fell (in UK time), with a silent period of reflection. This is at 8:15am on August 6th and 11:02am on August 9th.

1. Download this poster in colour or black and white
2. Take the poster to somewhere quiet and peaceful at the designated times and take a moment in silence to consider the devastation caused by nuclear weapons.
3. Send us a photo of you and the poster after your moment of reflection, or post on social media about the need for a world without nuclear weapons, using the hashtag #Hiroshima75
4. Know that you are part of an international wave of people calling for a more peaceful world, free of nuclear weapons.

Click here for more information