Sofia Marks Atomic Bombing Anniversary by Japanese Pianist Concert, Floral Tribute at Hiroshima Stone

A concert by Japanese pianist Yusuke Kosaka and a flower-laying ceremony at the Hiroshima Stone at the Earth and Man National Museum marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in Sofia on Wednesday.

"The stone is on display in the museum, and anyone who wishes can leave flowers and write a message of peace in a special book," said Milena Hristova of the Museum. This is one of a total of 188 granite pieces engraved with the image of the goddess of mercy Kannon which were spread around the world as symbols of peace. The stone was part of the pavement in Hiroshima and was located 200 m away from the place where the bomb was detonated. On this day the world remembers the victims in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which were bombed during World War II.

"Today, we remember this day hoping that such tragedies will happen never again," said Hideaki Machida of the Japanese Embassy in Bulgaria. He left flowers and a message of peace.

Admission to the Museum is free today for anyone wishing to see the Hiroshima Stone and view a special exhibition of posters providing information about the bombings.

On August 6, 1945, an A-bomb codenamed Little Boy exploded at 8:15 a.m. local time about 600 metres above the ground, releasing energy equivalent to 13 kilotons of TNT. Three days later, Nagasaki was bombed, too.

/LG/