By ROBERT M. HORSTING
In 2018, Hawaiians experienced the fearful news that the Islands were about to be struck by an atomic missile (though only due to a false alarm).
Russia’s President Putin now shares nuclear technology with North Korea, as both of those countries threaten the use of these weapons and increased their testing programs.
Our own government also conducts research to incorporate nano-technology in arms and delivery systems.
The only people who can make us all understand the horror of using these weapons are the people who survived their first use in warfare with the strikes on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
The 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were observed on Aug. 6 and 9. While some might tend to think it happened in Japan and no Americans were hurt, I invite you to attend this event taking place Sunday, Aug. 24, to hear the personal testimony of Howard Kakita, who was visiting his grandparents when the A-bomb exploded over Hiroshima. Incarcerated in the Poston WRA camp, initially his parents had no news of his survival.
Toshiharu Kano was in his mother’s womb at the time of the Hiroshima bombing. As a result he was born without an immune system, exposing him to many health challenges during his youth.
Twelve U.S. Army Air Corps crewmen held as prisoners also perished in Hiroshima. Shigeaki Mori, who met with President Obama during his visit to the Peace Park, preserved their story.
This presentation combines historical background through film, recorded testimonials, and hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor) presenters, followed by a moderated discussion and Q&A session.
The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Hondo at Gardena Buddhist Church, W. 1517 166th St., Gardena. Speakers will include Howard Kakita, Toshiharu Kano, and Robert M. Horsting.
RSVP: AbombSurvivors@gmail.com
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/846459267 38?pwd=b4KH8Hra0ggtF8OyXA6bBFegkY7UYi.1
Meeting ID: 846 4592 6738
Passcode: 498499