Flinders University staff and exchange students will take 1000 origami cranes to Hiroshima this week when it participates in the Peace Memorial Ceremony to remember the dropping of the atom bomb on the Japanese city during World War 2.

Every year on August 6 the City of Hiroshima holds the Peace Memorial Ceremony to console the souls of those who were lost due to the atomic bombing and to pray for the realisation of everlasting world peace.

This year Flinders University is proud to have two staff members and two students who will represent the University at the Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima.

The ceremony is held in front of the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims (Monument for Hiroshima, City of Peace). The Peace Declaration, which is delivered by the Mayor of Hiroshima during the ceremony, is sent to every country in the world thus conveying Hiroshima’s wish for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realisation of eternal world peace.

At exactly 8.15 am, the time the atomic bomb was dropped, the Peace Bell is rung, sirens sound all over the city and for one minute people at the ceremony grounds, in households and in workplaces pay silent tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing and pray for the realisation of everlasting world peace.

Flinders will be represented by Dr Andrew O’Neil, senior lecturer in the School of Political and International Studies, and Dr Vandra Harris, a research fellow in the School of Law, and two Flinders students, Erin Goddard (International Studies) and Joe Rafalowicz (Law and Development Studies).

Dr O’Neil, who also attended the ceremony last year, said the event attracted students and peace groups from all round the world.

“While the ceremony itself is very formal, there are also opportunities to wander around Peace Park and visit the museums, which is a very moving experience,” he said.

“The symbolism of the event is very powerful.”