Hiroshima Day: History, Theme, and Significance

Atomic bomb mushroom clouds over Hiroshima (left) and Nagasaki (right)

Hiroshima Day is observed every year on 6 August to commemorate Hiroshima and Nagasaki being atom bombed during World War 2. 6 August 2024 will mark the 79th anniversary of the US dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

History of Hiroshima Day

Hiroshima Day is observed on August 6th every year to commemorate the tragic day in 1945 when the city of Hiroshima was devastated by an atomic bomb during World War II. This event marked the first time a nuclear weapon was used in warfare, resulting in the immediate deaths of an estimated 80,000 people, with tens of thousands more succumbing to injuries and radiation exposure over time. The bombing, along with a subsequent one in Nagasaki three days later, prompted Japan’s surrender, effectively ending the war. Hiroshima Day serves as a solemn reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons and the need for peace and disarmament. It is a day for reflection, education, and commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy never occurs again.

The theme of Hiroshima Day 2024

Hiroshima Day is observed on 6 August every year to mark the anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. There is no specific theme for the day.

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

Quick facts atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Here are quick facts about India Partition:

• On 6 and 9 August 1945, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively.
• The US dropped a nuclear bomb on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, killing 140,000 people.
• Three days later, on 9 August 1945, it dropped another bomb on Nagasaki, killing nearly 74,000 people.
• World War II ended on 15 August 1945 when Japan surrendered to the allies.
• The Soviet Union tested its first nuclear bomb four years later, in 1949. The UK followed in 1952, France in 1960, and China in 1964.

What is the state of nuclear weapons today?

Nine countries possess more than 13,000 nuclear warheads as of 2022. Due to government confidentiality, it is difficult to determine the exact number of these bombs. As reported by the International Campaign to Abolish nuclear weapons (ICAN), Russia possesses 6,255 nuclear warheads, the highest number in the world. It is followed by the United States with 5,550 such bombs. China is ranked third with 350 nuclear warheads. Over 90 per cent of the nuclear weapons in the world are owned by the United States and Russia combined.

There are several other countries that possess or claim to possess nuclear weapons, including France, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea. There are five other nations that host American nuclear warheads. Turkey, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands are among them. According to the list, Turkey holds 50 warheads, the most on the list. However, the list does not end here. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) are authorized to use nuclear weapons on behalf of 27 countries. Among these 27 countries are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Spain.

After the Soviet Union was dismantled in 1991, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine received nuclear warheads. After joining the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1994, they returned the warheads to Russia.

Hiroshima Day Observation Dates

Hiroshima Day is observed on August 6th every year to commemorate the tragic day in 1945 when the city of Hiroshima was devastated by an atomic bomb during World War II.

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