Hundreds of people gathered at Seattle’s Green Lake Park on August 6 to demand the abolition of nuclear weapons. The event, organized by From Hiroshima To Hope, aimed to pay tribute to the victims of the U.S. atomic bombings and all victims of nuclear testing and war.
The crowd at Green Lake Park was diverse, with anti-war activists, faith communities and leaders, descendants of survivors of the bomb, families, veterans, and cultural performers coming together to demand the elimination of nuclear weapons. Their goal is to start with the United States and work towards a nuclear-free world.
Washington state, where the event took place, has played a significant role in the country’s nuclear bomb industry. The Puget Sound area alone holds one-third of the nation’s nuclear weaponry. If Washington were to secede from the U.S., it would be the fifth-largest nuclear power globally. The state is involved in various aspects of nuclear weapon production, including research, stockpile simulation, tritium production, and housing nuclear warheads.
Central Washington is home to the Hanford site, where the plutonium used in the Nagasaki bombing and the Trinity nuclear test was produced. However, the mismanagement of waste removal at the site resulted in Hanford being one of the most contaminated places in the country. Many workers and current residents suffer from illnesses caused by exposure to radioactive materials.
The event at Green Lake Park highlighted the increasing danger of nuclear conflict. With the U.S. military strategy focusing on Great Power Conflict and tensions with China and Russia, the risk of nuclear warfare is becoming more significant. Despite the claims of previous presidents, President Joe Biden has not ruled out using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear threats, contributing to the potential for a nuclear catastrophe. The U.S. has also withdrawn from major nuclear and missile treaties, further escalating global tensions.
To ensure a tomorrow free from nuclear weapons and the threat of nuclear war, there is a need for a robust and vocal anti-war movement. This movement should unite citizens across the country to demand the abolition of nuclear weapons without compromise.
By bringing attention to the dangers of nuclear weapons and the role that Washington state plays in their production, the event at Green Lake Park aimed to spark conversation and action. It is crucial to highlight the perspectives and opinions of different stakeholders to present a balanced view of the issue.
The gathering at Seattle’s Green Lake Park serves as a reminder of the long-lasting effects of nuclear weapons and the urgent need to work towards disarmament. It is a call for individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize peace and strive for a world without the threat of nuclear warfare.
