A Time To Remember And Heal

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 ended World War II and reframed everything about future wars. Almost 80 years later, governments are still dealing with the fallout of having stockpiles of such weapons, a single one of which can wipe out vast quantities of life. A blockbuster movie this summer, Oppenheimer, chronicles the building of the bombs — Little Boy and Fat Man — that destroyed the Japanese cities, but the Asian American Council of Oregon offers a counterpoint, an atomic bomb’s devastating aftermath, in its annual Hiroshima/Nagasaki Commemoration August 6 at Alton Baker Park. “I cannot think of anything more horrific,” says Bob Watada, an 83-year-old Eugene resident of Japanese descent who grew up in Colorado and had relatives in U.S. internment camps in the 1940s. He has also protested various wars and armed conflicts through the years. “Why people would do this to each other — I’m baffled. It’s not worth it. We need to look at diplomacy.” The commemoration begins with Taiko drumming from Eugene Taiko. There will be a prayer to ancestors from Reverend Mark Unno, messages from dignitaries, singing from the Yujin Gakuen Children’s Peace Choir as well as an Obon dance by Susie Yamamoto. The event ends with a procession to the Lantern Ceremony (led by Eugene Taiko) and the ceremony itself.

The Hiroshima/Nagasaki Commemoration, presented by the Asian American Council of Oregon, is 7 pm to 8:45 pm Sunday, August 6, at Alton Baker Park, Peace Pavilion. FREE.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!