August 5 - Princeton, NJ
Over 60 attended CFPA's 46th annual observance of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, presented in partnership with Princeton Public Library, which hosted the event in its Community Room.
Dr. Alan Robock, Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University, and a leading expert on the climatic consequences of nuclear conflict, gave the keynote presentation. He has co-led studies on the existential danger presented by a nuclear winter that could be triggered by the use of even a small fraction of the over 12,000 nuclear weapons in the world. Dr. Robock is co-author, with Dr. Brian Toon, of Earth in Flames: How an Asteroid Killed the Dinosaurs and How We Can Avoid a Similar Fate From Nuclear Winter, published in 2025. A 15-minute Q&A session followed.
CFPA's Peace Education Committee Chair and emcee, Evan Miller, a current Princeton University graduate student, opens the Commemoration with a performance by The Solidarity Singers. (photo by Jennifer New, CFPA)
Renowned climate scientist, Dr. Alan Robock, of Rutgers University presents on his topic of the climatic consequences of nuclear conflict. (photo by David Kelly Crow)
The observance included songs of peace performed by The Solidarity Singers of the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council, and a candlelight vigil was held, including one minute of silence to coincide with the time in Hiroshima at 8:15 AM, the exact moment when the atomic bomb was detonated on August 6,1945.
The Solidarity Singers performed "Down by the Riverside", "Genbaku O Yurusumagi - Never Again the A-Bomb" and "This Little Light of Mine". (photo by David Kelly Crow)
Click here to see a Facebook album of photos. Click below to view a video recording of the event. Professional photos and videos provided by David Kelly Crow.
August 6 - Camden, NJ
Following the 8:15 AM Mass, the Sacred Heart Parish Peace Community gathered for a brief ceremony at the Peace Monument across from the church marked by a moment of silence and a poetry reading to honor the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
August 6 - King of Prussia, PA
Peace, Justice, Sustainability Now hosted a Rally at Lockheed Martin, the world’s # 1 arms maker and prime contractor for Golden Dome. The Rally was co-sponsored by Back from the Brink; Brandywine Peace Community; CFPA; Grannie Peace Brigade – Philly; UNA-USA, Greater Philadelphia Chapter; and WILPF – Greater Philadelphia Branch.
Rally attendees gave speeches and protested the new nuclear arms race and delivered a “cease and desist” order demanding that Lockheed Martin end any role in nuclear weapons development, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, or AI-operated war fighting systems like Golden Dome.
Click here to watch a recording of the Rally posted on Facebook.
Some of those giving speeches were Kathleen Welch (donning a Golden Dome hat), who is a member of many of the co-sponsoring organizations, and represented Back from the Brink, and David Gibson, co-director of Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW!, the lead organizer of the event.
August 6 - Philadelphia, PA
A Vigil for a Nuclear-Free World, hosted by Granny Peace Brigade of Philadelphia, took place at 11:30 AM at City Hall, Philadelphia.
August 9 - Philadelphia, PA
Remembering Hiroshima & Nagasaki: A Call for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament
On Sunday, August 9, the United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia (UNA-GP), together with co-sponsors Back from the Brink; Brandywine Peace Community; CFPA; Grannie Peace Brigade – Philly; and WILPF – Greater Philadelphia Branch, gathered at the Philadelphia Ethical Society to commemorate the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and reflect on the continuing dangers of nuclear weapons. About 75 attended the in-person event.
Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute, presents at the Phildelphia Ethical Society. (photo by Manisha Patel)
Through a documentary, a powerful presentation by Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute, and thoughtful conversation, attendees explored the profound ethical and moral questions surrounding nuclear weapons—and the urgent need for humanity to move beyond the threat of nuclear war.
Those in attendance were especially moved by the words of John McCabe, author of Atomic Veteran, and American Hibakusha, who shared his own experience of being exposed to four atomic bomb tests in Nevada as an infantry soldier. His testimony was a reminder that the consequences of nuclear weapons extend far beyond the moments when they are used.
As UNA-GP President Christiaan Morssink reflected: “Let’s collaborate worldwide to undo this evil insanity.”
Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki is not only about looking back. It is about asking what we can do today—and together—to build a world where nuclear weapons no longer threaten our shared future.
Candlelight Vigil for Nagasaki on the Parkway
The Vigil was held at Sister Cities Park on Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. from 7:30-9:00 PM and was sponsored by WILPF, Greater Philadelphia Branch.
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