Obama Calls For End of Nuclear Warfare During Visit To Hiroshima

71 years after the world’s first atomic strike in Hiroshima, Japan, President Obama called for the end of nuclear warfare. On Friday, May 27th, Obama paid the solemn site of ruin a visit in hopes of offering his condolences both to the victims of the attack and their families. During his stay in Hiroshima, he announced his relatively unpopular opinion: the time has come for the end of nuclear weapons.

At Hiroshima Peace Park, there is a guest book where people can write their reactions to the sober yet hopeful environment. In this book, Obama left behind a note describing his hope to “spread peace and pursue a world without nuclear weapons.” He warned that for as long as atomic warfare exists, mankind will be doomed.

Ever since the historic bombing of August 6, 1945, no U.S. leader has visited the recovering city. Obama is the first sitting president to spend time with the victims and sincerely apologize for the suffering they have endured and for the loss of roughly 140,000 lives.

Civilians lined up to hear the American Commander in Chief say a few words in front of a memorial cenotaph. The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, handed Obama a beautifully intricate wreath, which the latter laid beside an eternally-burning candle. After a brief moment of silence, President Obama spoke a few words to an eagerly awaiting crowd.

“The world was forever changed here … but today, the children of this city will go through their day in peace. What a precious thing that is. It is worth protecting, and then extending to every child. That is the future we can choose, a future in which Hiroshima and Nagasaki are not known for the dawn of atomic warfare but as the start of our own moral awakening.”

His kind words and presence in the resilient city reminds the world of how far both nations have come: since being harsh foes in World War II, Japan and the United States have become extremely close allies. The White House has invited Shinzo Abe to visit Pearl Harbor for the 75th anniversary of Japan’s attack. Though no confirmation has been given by the Prime Minister, officials have expressed that they would be shocked if he was not in attendance.

Obama’s visit to Hiroshima marks the turning of a new leaf. Hopefully, the future will show less mindless violence by the hands of atomic weaponry.

Featured Image via Wikimedia