Remembering two moments that have marked humanity forever: the atomic bombs dropped onto Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, and Nagasaki three days later.

Every year, a commemoration ceremony is held in Hiroshima to honour the 140,000 victims of the bombs. And also in Luxembourg, more precisely in Echternach, solidarity is shown 79 years after the catastrophe took place.

On Tuesday evening, in the school court of Millemoaler Schoul in Echternach a ginkgo tree was inaugurated to commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb. The tree stands for peace and environment protection. The ginkgo tree was the first plant to grow healthy leaves again after the atomic bomb hit Hiroshima in 1945. Thus, the tree has become a symbol for resistance and resilience, the strength to survive. The mayor of Echternach, Carole Hartmann, reinforces that it is important for the young generations to remember the tragic events.

“Nowadays not many witnesses from 79 or 80 years ago, who survived the Second World War, are still alive, which is why it is all the more important to commemorate. When we look at the world now we can see a lot of conflicts, and we recognise anxiety in a lot of people, as well as children. We asked children to draw pictures of what they understand to be peace, and these made us realise that there are anxieties in children we need to address.”
 
During the ceremony in the Trifolion, Japanese ambassador Tadahiro Matsubara also shared a few words:
 
"We are now facing a very challenging global environment, so it is time for us to pursue our idea of the world without nuclear weapons. It is very tough and a very long way to go, but we need to pursue our mission."

Next year, for the eightieth anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the commemoration ceremony will be held in Sanem.