Tinian commemorates 80th anniversary of Hiroshima atomic bombing amid military buildup

With the backdrop of the United States Department of Defence's $800-million military buildup on Tinian, US, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Japanese officials held the 80th anniversary commemoration of the World War II atomic bombings on Wednesday.

With the theme '80 years of peace in the Pacific from the ashes of war to hope' the solemn event was held at the Tinian Bomb Site in North Field, where 80 years ago a B-29 Superfortress named Enola Gay took off and bombed Hiroshima with "Little Boy," the first nuclear weapon used in warfare.

Three days later, a second B-29 named Bockscar with "Fat Man" as its payload hastened the war's end when it dropped the second nuclear weapon used in warfare in Nagasaki.

Interestingly, the US military buildup in the Marianas comes as China, a nuclear power like the US, is peddling its influence in the region.

Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan reflected on the importance of the Tinian Bomb Site.

"Your participation reflects a shared commitment to remembering the past, honoring those affected, and working together towards a future defined by peace, healing, and understanding," he said.

"This commemoration, under the [theme] '80 years of peace in the Pacific from ashes of war to hope,' is more than just a remembrance. It is a reflection of how far we've come and a reaffirmation of what we must continue to strive for."

He added that the atomic bombings of August 1945 brought an unspeakable toll, the loss of tens of thousands of innocent lives, the suffering of survivors, and the slow and long shadow of nuclear warfare that would shape global consciousness for generations.

"The events of World War II left a mark on this island and the world. Tinian, once the launch site of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, is now transforming that legacy into a platform of dialogue, learning, and unity.

"This commemoration serves as a solemn reminder that we must never forget, we must remember the lives lost, the choices we made, and the consequences we endured."

And from that remembrance, the Tinian mayor said humanity must find the resolve to reject violence, to choose dialogue over destruction, and to work for a world where peace is more than a dream, but a shared duty.

Meanwhile, Senator Jude Hofschneider shared her mother Andresina Dela Cruz Untalan Hofschneider's experience during World War II in his opening remarks.

"She was a preteen when she experienced World War II on the island of Yap. One day, she found herself running from stray bullets and bombs when she suddenly bumped her knee on a log.

"As a result, she had a permanent bump below her left knee for the rest of her life. As a kid, I'd always ask her about the bump.

"But she would always refuse to answer at the time until it was appropriate for her to answer during my adult years, which I was old enough to understand."

The Tinian lawmaker said memories of World War II inevitably colored our parents' and grandparents' perspectives and how they raised us.

For his mom, he said the trauma brought her closer to God, which influenced the values she taught her children.

"Experiences like hers tell a story no book or documentary ever could. That war doesn't end when the fighting stops. It shapes those of us born long after the final shot.

"And this is why we gather as a community today with gratitude for those who brought an end to conflict on our islands and for those who worked tirelessly to secure enduring peace among nations."

After sharing the history of the days and even hours leading to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in his keynote address, local historian Don Farrell put his storytelling into perspective.

"I do not philosophise on whether or not it was the right thing to do to drop both bombs. It was wartime. My job is to simply study the facts for myself, too."

He then reminded everyone in attendance that the National Historic Preservation Act of 1968, signed by President Richard Nixon, requires all federal agencies to maintain any historic monuments on their property.

"We want to get that message to [Washington], to the Congress of the United States, and ensure that proper funding is given directly to the CNMI, to the Municipality of Tinian and Aguingan, for use in maintaining all of the historic sites on the military-leased lands on Tinian."

Japan consul Akiko Tejima ended her closing remarks with this challenge: "Let us reaffirm and renew our collective commitment to peace."

Aside from her appeal to peace, Tejima also talked about how sadly Tinian is oftentimes forgotten by her countrymen as the origin of the planes that dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which makes the commemoration last Aug. 6 more important.

"It's inspiring and encouraging that this commemoration event is taking place here on Tinian on the very same day as Hiroshima's annual ceremony, as it indicates the spirit of compassion and our shared aspiration for a future rooted in harmony and unity indeed," she said.

"The United States and Japan were once adversaries, but we have overcome the past and now cherish the unparalleled friendship."

Tejima said it is touching that the two opposing sides during World War II are together at the event with a sense of solidarity, friendship, and respect for one another.

"I am convinced that it really is '80 years of peace in the Pacific from ashes of war to hope' as it surely expresses where Japan and the [U.S.] now stand."

However, she acknowledged that the work is not done as armed conflict persists in so many places in the world, inflicting pain and hardship on countless civilians.

"This reality is both heartbreaking and humbling. We should be mindful of what the world went through the tremendous suffering and hardship 80 years ago, and people learned, people must have learned, war brings such tragedy and misery and should never again be repeated."

Before Tejima's remarks, officials from the US Armed Forces and local and federal officials, led by lieutenant-governor Dennis Mendiola and US Congress delegate Kimberly King-Hinds, led the wreath-laying ceremony in front of the glass-encased "Little Boy" Bomb Pit Memorial.

This was followed by a water and salute and taps performed by the Department of Fire & Emergency Management Medical Services-Station 7.

The Tinian Taga Cultural Dancers ended the event with their performance. Father Brigido Bagunas, who also led a prayer for peace and unity at the start of the event, then blessed the food for the luncheon for the dozens in attendance who endured the pothole-marred drive to North Field.