Madison Honors Hiroshima Anniversary with Lanterns and Peace Appeal

A Night of Reflection and Advocacy in Madison

Dozens of people gathered at Tenney Park in Madison on Wednesday evening to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The event, known as Lanterns for Peace, is an annual tradition organized by Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin (PSR Wisconsin). It serves as both a moment of personal remembrance and a powerful call for nuclear disarmament.

Dr. Amy Schulz, president of PSR Wisconsin, has been involved with the event for over two decades. She explained that the ceremony begins with participants crafting their own lanterns, which often include names, drawings, or simple words that reflect their hopes for peace. “It gives people a chance to express their desires for peace,” she said.

This year’s gathering featured performances by Beni Daiko, a local Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Madison. For Junko Yamauchi, the founder of the group, the event carried deep personal significance. Her grandfather worked at a shipping factory near the bay in northern Kyoto, and she grew up hearing stories about the impact of the atomic bomb. “I still remember all the stories and movies we watched, and how important it was to be at peace, to work together, and to care for each other,” she shared.

Yamauchi emphasized how the legacy of Hiroshima has shaped generations in Japan. “Every elementary school, even preschool, they would teach or introduce some little stories about it,” she said. “We would do a moment of silence and listen to stories. I still remember vividly the pictures and statues at the Hiroshima Museum.”

A Legacy of Peace and Activism

Founded in the 1960s, Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons and advocating for international disarmament. The group also encourages a shift in U.S. military spending from nuclear weapons to human needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Dr. Schulz highlighted the financial implications of nuclear modernization efforts in the United States. “They want to upgrade all of our nuclear weapons at a cost of $1.7 trillion over the next 30 years,” she said. “We’d much rather see that money used for human care issues—things that truly make us a better society and a better world.”

Dr. Ann Behrmann, a long-time member of PSR Wisconsin, added that the group’s mission extends beyond the annual lantern ceremony. “We’re here with eight other peace and justice groups in Madison that are working on similar issues,” she said. “We hope to have a meeting in the early fall to discuss how we can work together, especially knowing that the Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight than ever before.”

Behrmann noted that the event has evolved into more than just a tradition—it has become a way to educate future generations. “We want people of all ages to come,” she said. “We don’t want to be talking at people. We want them to have time to relax, make lanterns, and think about their loved ones. This isn’t just about people who died in World War II, but also those affected by other conflicts.”

A Call for Global Action

PSR Wisconsin is also encouraging other communities to follow Madison’s example. In 2023, the city passed a resolution supporting nuclear disarmament, including a commitment to divest from weapons manufacturers. “True security is when we invest in human lives—through healthcare, education, and other things that make us a better society and a better world,” said Schulz.

The event continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of peace and the need for global cooperation. As the world faces ongoing challenges, the message from Madison remains clear: the path to true security lies not in the proliferation of weapons, but in the investment in people and the pursuit of a more just and peaceful future.