The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation will hold its 28th annual Sadako Peace Day under the eucalyptus tree at La Casa de Maria.
It is a time to come together to remember the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all innocent victims of war.
Held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, it will be a special commemoration as the event will once again take place in the Sadako Peace Garden at La Casa de Maria in Montecito.
Since January 2018, La Casa de Maria has been rebuilding and restoring the retreat center, which suffered severe damage in the mud and debris flow after the Thomas Fire.
Sadako Peace Day remembers the life of Sadako Sasaki, a child from Hiroshima who was 2 years old at the time of the atomic bombing. Ten years later, she died from radiation-induced leukemia as a result of that bombing.
Japanese legend holds that one’s wish will be granted upon folding 1,000 paper cranes. While in the hospital, Sadako folded more than 1,000 paper cranes, hoping it might help her get well. Sadly, Sadako died without ever returning to health.
Students in Japan were so moved by her story that they began folding paper cranes, too. The paper crane has become an international symbol of peace, and a statue of Sadako now stands in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
There will be poetry readings, live music and a time for reflection. The event is free, and all are welcome.
For more information, visit wagingpeace.org/upcoming.
— Sandy Jones is the director of communications for the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.