VMS again collaborated on the annual commemoration of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki held on Tuesday, 6 August, at the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion outside the Japanese Gardens.

Participants numbered about 150 to 200 people. The weather was beautiful, the lanterns bright and creative, and the presentations and performances absolutely wonderful. Added this year was a magical procession at sunset set to live flute music, with the lit lanterns placed gently in the reflective pools of the Pavilion. A selection of photos is at this link: Hiroshima-Nagasaki Honouring Peace 2024 

It was especially poignant to have Dr Dillon Takata as our MC. Dillon is a descendant of the Takata family who owned the tea garden where the Pavilion is now located, before being taken to internment camps during WWII.

The Esquimalt Bahá’í community coordinated the lantern-making workshop, filling the entire ground floor of the Pavilion with art materials and busy people of all ages from 6 to 7 pm. Special thanks also go to presenters Elder Carolyn Memnook for her greeting and blessing, Mayor Maja Tait who spoke on behalf of MP Randall Garrison, Tsugio Kurushima of the Nikkei Society, reader Samantha Jones and Sharon Welsh of the Greater Victoria Peace School. Our talented musicians and singers were Emilia Vozian on flute, the Gettin’ Higher Choir, and the feistier-than-ever Raging Grannies. And of course at the heart of the event were the Taiko drummers and Furusato dancers!

Organizer Megumi Saunders is already thinking of next year, which will be the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima-Nagasaki, and has already reserved the Pavilion for August 6, 2025.