On August 6, 1945, U.S. imperialism committed an unprecedented atrocity with the nuclear bombing of of Hiroshima, followed on August 9 by another atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki. Hundreds of thousands were killed, from both the immediate blast and the horrific radiation disease that affected survivors. Contrary to the official story in the United States, these atrocities were not unfortunate necessities to avoid a land invasion of Japan, but in fact the opening shots of the Cold War as U.S. imperialism sought to showcase its destructive power to the emerging bloc of independent and socialist countries.

Every year, progressive and anti-war activists around the world commemorate this tragedy on its anniversary and demand a world free of nuclear weapons. A gathering was held in Washington, D.C. on August 5. Below are photos and a video of the event.

Standing outside the MLK Jr memorial in a vigil to commemorate the lives lost in Hiroshima and Nagasaki	Member of the Hiroshima Nagasaki Peace Committee speaks on behalf of All Soul's Church in Washington, D.C.

Hiroshima survivor speaks out: