Around 250 people attended this year’s event on a beautiful August evening, seated on folding chairs, lawn chairs and blankets for this great grassroots community event. Thanks go out to the many organizations, volunteers, staff and public who made it a great success! Working together to commemorate the unspeakable tragedy of the atomic bombings of 1945 produced a celebration of our collective determination to create a more peaceful world.
Although the event has taken place in Victoria for about 25 years, this is just the 2nd year at the new Japanese-style Pavilion in Esquimalt Gorge Park. This year’s event was organized under the auspices of the Greater Victoria Peace School with the support of the Victoria Multifaith Society, the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society, and the Raging Grannies (the original organizers).
Lantern-making on the porch of the Pavilion was followed by a program with MC Lyle Mackenzie, with Elder Bear Sam, the Furusato dancers, Taiko Drummers, Gettin’ Higher Choir and Raging Grannies interspersed with speakers. The evening ended with the floating of the lanterns on the reflecting pools just after sunset at 9 pm. A 2-minute video clip of the evening’s highlights and a few photographs set to Taiko drumming are at the links. Mark your calendars for future years! The Pavilion has already been reserved by the organizers for August 6 in 2024 and 2025!