On November 27 a tree-planting ceremony was held in Chester in memory of the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.


For the last 24 years, the Chester Meeting of Friends has held a peace vigil every year on 8 August. As 2005 will mark the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombings, it was decided to plant a tree and place a small plaque on the main riverside public walk along Chester's River Dee. This idea was supported by Chester City Council. As understanding of the significance of Hiroshima and Nagasaki continues to grow, it is hoped that the tree will serve as a symbol of peace and hope for the future.


Minister Hiroyuki Kishino attended the ceremony as a representative of the Embassy. In his speech he praised the efforts of the organisers by saying, "Although nearly 60 years have passed, the enormity and sheer horror of those events (Hiroshima and Nagasaki) still reverberate around the world. I am very impressed by the dedication the Chester Meeting of Friends has shown for nearly a quarter of a century to remembering the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, culminating in the ceremony that is about to take place...Thus, inspired by the noble efforts of others to foster peace and harmony, let us all resolve, with the planting of this tree, to redouble our efforts to this end."

Minister Kishino with the Sheriff of Chester Councillor John Boughton

A crowd gathers to watch the tree-planting ceremony