Join the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Monterey County Branch, for a moving commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This free public event honors lives lost and affirms a commitment to a nuclear-free future.

The evening includes taiko drumming, music, poetry, and stories, concluding with a serene lantern floating ceremony at sunset. As peace lanterns drift across the cove, shakuhachi flute music will offer a meditative close to the evening.

Co-sponsored by the City of Pacific Grove, Peace Coalition of Monterey County, Veterans for Peace Chapter 46, Monterey Peace and Justice Center, and others. With appreciation to Pacific Grove Adventures for kayak support.

All are welcome to arrive early and decorate peace lanterns. Bring a blanket and dress warmly.

Program Highlights
Emcee: Alexandra Ramos – WILPF Monterey County & Monterey Peace and Justice Center
Guest Speaker: Masako Toki – Senior Project Manager, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Schedule:
7:00 PM – Lantern making begins; performance by Shinsho-Mugen Daiko taiko drummers
7:45 PM – Music, poetry, and messages of hope:
o Opening Blessing – Brendan J. Ramsden, minister, Center for Sacred Studies
o Indigenous Land Acknowledgement – Michael Lojkovic, musician and peace activist
o Mayors for Peace – Pacific Grove Mayor Nick Smith
o Nagasaki Story – Troy Ishikawa
o Peace Poem – Jennifer Fellguth, poet, storyteller, retired educator
8:15 PM – Lantern Launch: Kayakers will guide lanterns serenely across the cove as Tai Chi Master Jim Scott-Behrends plays the shakuhachi bamboo flute