On the evening of Wednesday 6th August, people gathered by the River Thames in Abingdon to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The event honoured the many thousands who died, those who gave their lives helping others, and all people currently living in places of conflict.

The Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Councillor Rawda Jehanli, gave a moving speech in St Ethelwold’s Garden. Having visited Hiroshima herself, she spoke vividly about the exhibits in the Peace Museum, and urged those present to keep believing that peace is possible – even when it feels so far out of reach.

Poems were read aloud, followed by a shared silence of remembrance. Roger Baker then led a community affirmation of peace.

Lanterns — painted by children in Hiroshima — were carried down to St Helen’s Wharf.

They were lit.

And floated on the River Thames.

Their light served as a reminder of our shared humanity — and how fortunate we are to live in peace.

At the end of the evening, the lanterns were retrieved by canoe.