I learned a few things today. I learned that the atomic bomb was not the final blow that ended the war, but a different narrative given here. It was an scientific experiment (Nagasaki was not the originally intended target). Data was collected before, during and after (including medical data never re;eased to the patients sampled - not treated - or to Japan) by the US military, and that the Japanese were prepared to surrender before the bombs were deployed. It was also used to justify the enormous effort and investment in the Manhattan project. I learned that the bombs power was much greater than Hiroshima and yet only 1/7 of the fuel was actually used (i.e. it didnt go as planned). I learned about all aspects from its planning to the deaths that continue today as a result - but what struck me most was the story of a man who found his young son badly burnt. He said he did not know what to do or say and just held him in his arms until he died. The lesson is that we all have our horror stories - all nations and people. This is another one. The sense of humanity, the grace of the Japanese (recalling the death yesterday of one of their ISIS hostages) and the sense of respect for all other individuals here is humbling. I am sure we can give context and understand the events that lead to this and all the consequences - but I am pleased that when you stand at the point where it actually exploded, there is a moment to pause and grieve for everyone who dies violently. This is one of the many symbolic displays in the peace park. One of the things that most of the survivors noted was how thirsty they were.The incredible heat of the explosion burned everything. The river was contaminated by the bodies of people desperate for water (it dammed up with the corpses). Here people still bring water and remove the caps of the bottles.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 11:12:49 +0000
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