August 6th and 9th, 2020, marked the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki, Japan. In early August, people in Japan and around the world gather to float lanterns in remembrance of the victims of the atomic bombings, all victims of war and violence, and all who have gone before us. This moving and beautiful tradition provides a chance to reaffirm our commitment to building a peaceful future. Interfaith Paths to Peace has held a Peace Lantern Ceremony in Louisville for nearly 25 years.
**Last Year's Event**
Sunday, August 8, 2021
Chickasaw Park
1200 Southwestern Parkway
Louisville, Kentucky
A family-friendly lakeside commemoration honoring loved ones and generating collective hope toward the future! This cultural event includes music, spoken word, reflections, and traditional Japanese Peace Lantern floating.
Presented by Interfaith Paths to Peace and sponsored by Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion, Christopher 2X Voices of Survivors, and Moms Demand Action Kentucky.
Come early during the Open Drumming to decorate a lantern for the Lantern Floating Ceremony.
Everyone is invited to participate in the drumming, no experience needed. Click here for information about drumming format & guidelines
6-7:15 PM - "Circles for Peace"
Open Drum Welcoming Ceremony
7:30 PM - Program
8:30 PM - Lantern Floating Ceremony
BRING A LAWN CHAIR OR BLANKET!
Free and open to the community | No registration required
NOTE: The woman in the photo is Margie Hunt, a "Hibakusha" or survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Margie lives in Louisville and attends the Peace Lantern Ceremony most years. (Photo from 2017 Lantern Ceremony)
Lantern Floating video from our 2011 Peace Lantern Ceremony
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