Atomic Bomb Dome

On December 23, 2022, Teens4Disarmament traveled to Hiroshima, Japan, and visited the Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome) for the first time. Near the hypocenter of the atomic bombing, the Atomic Bomb Dome is the remaining structure of what was once a cultural exhibition hall. The Atomic Bomb Dome crucially displayed the horrible effects of the atomic bomb, and its dilapidated structure will forever remind us of the terror of nuclear weapons. On the date of our visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima was in deep snow. It has been more than 5 years since Hiroshima experienced such heavy snowfall.  The atmosphere was so quiet yet tender; it created an environment for deep reflection. The broken brown bricks and twisted wires left us with a sense of grief and emptiness. Standing in front of the dome envisioning the blows the infrastructure experienced, we were speechless for a long period; words couldn’t come close enough to explain how the people of Hiroshima have endured this pain. Feeling discouraged as we walked away from the A-bomb Dome, we saw something we hadn’t noticed before. From a far perspective, we saw the dome’s arch barely holding but standing proudly and courageously. Even though its foundation was already destroyed and the walls were shattered, the dome stayed intact, watching over Hiroshima. The dome symbolizes resilience for Teens4Disarmament. With every step and every change, we will continue to strive for a world of peace without nuclear weapons.