Eighty years ago history changed forever. The United States military dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
Now, Corvallis reflects on the tragic events and honors the ones lost in Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the city’s commemoration on Aug. 6. The program will be located at Howland Plaza, 200 SW First St. and begins at 7 p.m.
The year of 2025 marks 45 years since Corvallis’ commemoration began taking place in the first week of August.
“The commemoration is a local event, locally organized,” said Gretchen Newlin, committee member of the commemoration. “The focus is on peace and understanding, getting along with one another.”
The commemoration will begin with speakers saying a few words in the name of the close to 200,000 lives taken on that day.
The event will be accompanied by live music performed by Masumi Timson, a Salem-based koto musician. The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument.
The commemoration will also continue the popular Peace Flotilla tradition, a commemorative float on the Willamette river using kayaks and canoes.
“From the new Van Buren bridge, attendees will watch them float downriver,” Newlin said.
Those who are interested in participating can contact the commemoration committee for more information at [email protected]. However, the flotilla’s lead person has said they prefer no more than 15 participants as of this moment.
The mayor of Corvallis, Charles Maughan, will also be in attendance. He will give his “Mayor for Peace” speech as a member of the Mayors for Peace organization.
“Charles gives his Mayor for Peace speech, always eloquent and deeply meaningful. Afterwards he hurries over to the boat launch at Willamette Park in order to float with the flotilla,” said Newlin.
As the sun sets and the float comes to an end, those in attendance will be given candles and make a short walk to the Van Buren Bridge’s pedestrian walkway. A reading of the commemoration’s “Pledge for Peace” will bring the event to a close.
“One by one, we see the boats approaching. Viewers are silent,” added Newlin on the final part of the commemoration. “The flotilla moves quietly towards us. Their lanterns glowing and reflecting on the water. It’s sublime.”
