The following piece was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment:
On Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment held a commemoration of the atomic bombing of the Japanese cities Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Anti-nuclear weapons activists gathered along the Galen Street Bridge for a silent vigil, remembering the thousands of people killed by these weapons and advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons worldwide.
We then moved to dock in Watertown Square. Suzie Giroux on guitar and voice, and Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin led us in singing some peace songs.
We heard from several speakers; first Ray Matsumiya, Executive Director of the Oleander Initiative and grandson of a Hiroshima bombing victim. He gave us a vivid and heartbreaking report of the experiences of his grandfather who was the head of the volunteer fire department of a town close by. He went into Hiroshima and spent 3 days treating the wounded. He, as others, had severe injuries due to the radiation to which he was exposed.
We then listened to a review of the significance of candleboats – a long tradition in Japan to comfort the dead – and to the actions others in Watertown have taken to bring about the abolition of nuclear weapons.
The sun set, and canoeists set afloat the candleboats in the river. As they floated down stream, a flute played and people joined in singing “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!” The sight of these beautiful bits of light in the darkness gave comfort to all of us.