A Moment of Reflection

A-Bomb Dome in Central Hiroshima
see all photos »

We discussed whether this was a pilgrimage we wanted to make.  It was only because of wanting to visit Miyajima Island that we were even in the Hiroshima area.  But with our 8-year old along, we felt it important to visit both the sacred and the profane, to let our daughter know about the destructive force of mankind and the power of the sacred.  So, we hopped the ferry from Miyajima Island, then a train and finally a tram to the "A-Bomb Dome" tram station.

Its as stark as the photographs we've all seen.  A shell of a building, directly below where the bomb exploded in air and the only structure of note that survived the explosion.  It was odd seeing the Japanese tourists taking photos of each other in front of the building; and odd being American tourists taking photos as well.  Even 63 years later, the immensity of the event still cannot be missed.

And, yet, as we began our walk back to the tram, we passed cherry trees in full bloom, ...

Paper Cranes made by Japanese School Children in the Hope of Peace
see all photos »

We continued on to the memorial to the children who died in the cataclysm and viewed the paper cranes still made to this day by Japanese school children in the hope for lasting peace.  And finally by the Flame of Peace and the Cenotaph, containing the names of all who died that day or in ikts aftermath.

And, yet, as we began our walk back to the tram, we passed cherry trees in full bloom, with groups of office workers and families having picnics beneath the blossoms and in full site of the A-Bomb Dome.  Life goes on as it must.

And, yes, we plan on taking our daughter to Pearl Harbor when next in Hawaii to view all sides to the same story.  And maybe we'll leave a paper crane there.