A Somber Sunday

Dear Diary,

Today is the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki.  I traveled to Japan in 2007 as a part of a delegation of National Board teachers funded by the Fulbright Foundation.  It was an amazing experience but the highlight was when I spent a weekend with a Japanese family.  They asked me what I wanted to see and I said Nagasaki so they took me to the museum and memorial park there.  My host's family was from Nagasaki and most of them were killed in the blast.  His dad was with the Japanese army somewhere in the Pacific while my dad was fighting with the allies in Europe.  His mother was, fortunately, visiting family elsewhere and was spared.  I was overcome by tears as we stood together at "ground zero", the two children of former enemies.  I asked him if he hated Americans for what we did but he shook his head and said, "No, it was war and besides, we bombed you first."  I will always be thankful for this experience.  It was the most meaningful moment in all my travels over the years.  The picture above includes the brochure from the museum and a photograph of Japanese school children visiting the museum I made that day.  That smile and the "peace sign" she gave me was so moving.  I've also added a paper the daughter of my hosts drew up for me to help with names.  His mother performed the tea ceremony just for me and I was so touched.  I will always be thankful for their kindness and generosity.