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Paper lanterns float like ribbons of light, offer repose for A-bomb victims’ souls

by Takuya Murata, Staff Writer

To comfort the souls of the A-bomb victims and pray for peace, paper lanterns were floated on the Motoyasu River, which flows by the A-bomb Dome, and other rivers in Hiroshima on the evening of August 6. About 10,000 lanterns with candles inside them floated down the river like colorful ribbons of light.

The paper lanterns bore such messages as "Please rest in peace" and "May all the nuclear weapons be eliminated." The endless stream of lanterns, glowing in four colors, glided up the river.

Michiyo Wada, 75, who now lives near Tokyo, lost her father in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Ms. Wada said, "There is a ray of hope for the elimination of nuclear weapons. I will continue to do what I can so that children will have a peaceful future." Then she floated a lantern on the river and joined her hands in prayer.

(Originally published on August 7, 2010)

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