| Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day Speech |
| Written by Dominic Linley | |
| Monday, 08 August 2011 11:03 | |
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Hiroshima & Nagasaki Memorial Speech 2011
We stand united and remember the catastrophic effects of the nuclear attack on Japan by the United States 66 years ago in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We pause to reflect on those whose lives were annihilated in a heartbeat in both cities; those families - children, grandparents, mothers, sons, fathers and daughters and we also remember those whose lives have been and continue to be devastated by the long term consequences of these nuclear bombs. At this, the 66th anniversary we come together in love and peace, and as always determination. But this year I feel we represent a growing sense of anger. Anger that we live in a world where these weapons are produced, stockpiled and patrolled around the globe. Anger that while billions can be pumped into a nuclear weapons system , economies are falling apart, hundreds of thousands of people are starving and the impact of climate change are devastating entire regions of our planet. Our Government plan to spend £100billion on replacing the trident nuclear weapons system. A nuclear weapons system that is unsafe, contravenes international treaties and can never be used. We must not forget the images of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and we must refuse to accept the language of nuclear 'deterrence'. We are in a crucial position today. We are at a crossroads of opportunity on the issue of Trident replacement. The Government has pushed back the final decision to 2016 and despite the millions already spent on development behind closed doors we lead the majority of people who say NO to a new generation of nuclear weapons and say YES to investment in our children, education, health and care for older people. We lead the majority and we must take action. Let us not stand here at the 70th, 80th, 100th anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki lamenting a missed opportunity. Let us stand together, uncompromising and join the millions of people from all sections of society from across the world and halt this nuclear madness. We cannot and must not allow a new weapons system to be developed- we must take this opportunity and make the Government back down. Join CND, make a donation, visit a base, write to your MP, join a demo, make a peace crane, pass the message to a friend - whatever your capability there is an action you can take. Yesterday I was given this poster from the Japanese Council against A&H bombs - The Gensuikio. The people of Japan are scared, tired and furious that this nuclear devastation has happened again in Fukishima. It doesn't matter whether it is from bombs or energy - the consequences of the fallibility of nuclear are being lived everyday by the people of Japan. We must solve our global problems of economy, climate disaster, poverty and warfare with a new approach. Now is the time and scrapping Trident and any replacement can lead that change. Speak out today for the people of Japan and people all over the world and say 'No Nuclear'. Sarah Cartin Vice-Chair CND
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