Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day 2024: History, Photos and Bombing Facts

Hiroshima Nagasaki Day 2024: Hiroshima Nagasaki Day commemorates the devastation caused by the atomic bombings during World War II. The release of Little Boy on August 6 and Fat Man on August 9 sparked a global discussion on nuclear disarmament. This year marks the 79th anniversary of the nuclear attacks that led to Japan’s surrender during World War II.

A view of HiroshimaVehicles burning and people trapped: this is the scene in Hiroshima after the attack.

Source: Getty Images

Hiroshima Nagasaki Day 2024: History

The atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki date back to World War II. The two dates on which the events occurred are:

  • Hiroshima Day: The United States dropped the nuclear weapon “Little Boy” on Hiroshima, Japan, at approximately 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945. Since then, this day has been observed as a day to mourn the thousands of victims and to pay tribute to the survivors and future generations.

The smoke of World War II

  • Nagasaki Day: Just three days after the destruction of Hiroshima, the United States dropped its second atomic bomb, “Fat Man.” The attack occurred at around 11:02 a.m. in the city of Nagasaki, Japan.

The aftermath of the explosion was massive destruction and loss of life, as well as long-term effects of radiation exposure. This abominable event in human history has led to global disarmament and peace initiatives. Annual mourning events are held to honor the thousands of innocent lives lost, as well as the lasting effects on survivors and future generations. In addition, advocates hope to prevent further tragedies and to work internationally to build a world without nuclear dangers.

Hiroshima Atomic BombA model of the “Barakei” is dropped over Hiroshima.

Source: Getty Images

Hiroshima Nagasaki Day 2024: Interesting facts

Some interesting facts related to Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day are:

  • The United States is the only country in history to have used nuclear weapons for the first and only time in combat.
  • The nuclear attack on Hiroshima was codenamed “Little Boy”, while the bomb dropped on Nagasaki was named “Fat Man”.

A mother and child in HiroshimaA mother, already suffering from pain, cares for her injured child.

Source: Getty Images

  • Little Boy was a bomb made of uranium, while Fat Man was a bomb made of plutonium.
  • [OnAugust61945theAmericanB-29bomberEnolaGaydroppedthe”LittleBoy”atomicbomboverHiroshimaTheatomicbombattackkilled10000peopleinafewsecondsandcausedhugedestruction[1945年8月6日,美国B-29轰炸机埃诺拉·盖伊在广岛上空投下了“小男孩”原子弹。这次原子弹袭击在几秒钟内造成10000人死亡,并造成了巨大的破坏。

Two patientsTwo survivors of a nuclear attack.

Source: Getty Images

  • Three days after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, on August 9, 1945, a B-29 bomber dropped the “Fat Man” bomb on Nagasaki.
  • The attack killed 70,000 to 80,000 people, rising to 140,000 by the end of 1945. On the other hand, the death toll in Nagasaki also reached 70,000.

The destruction of HiroshimaThe scene after a nuclear attack.

Source: Getty Images

  • According to the Manhattan Project, “Less than 10 percent of the city’s buildings were left unscathed, and the shock wave shattered windows in suburbs 12 miles away.”
  • People have long suffered from radiation sickness, cancer, and other short- and long-term health effects on survivors.
  • [OnAugust151945EmperorHirohitosurrenderedtotheAlliedforcesofficiallyendingWorldWarII[1945年8月15日,裕仁天皇向盟军投降,正式结束了第二次世界大战。

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Memorial Day 2024: Commemorative Events

Every year on this tragic day, people visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to pay their respects. The museum is a vital reminder of the horrific effects of the atomic bombings during World War II. The museum becomes a sacred place of reflection as people gather to remember the dead and reaffirm their commitment to a future without nuclear weapons. This day is a ray of hope, reaffirming a message of peace that will never die.

Over time, concerns about the use of nuclear weapons became a major global issue after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Every year, Hiroshima and Nagasaki Days commemorate the victims and organize various events to promote peace. After extensive post-war reconstruction, Hiroshima and Nagasaki are now thriving cities with monuments and museums dedicated to the souls of the dead.

Read | Important dates in August 2024: List of national and international dates

Happy Friendship Day 2024: 70+ Quotes, Wishes, Images, Messages to Share with Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend

United States Coast Guard Day 2024: List of United States Coast Guard cities and states