Hiroshima & Miyajima: An American's Perspective on Japan

The air at the Peace Memorial Park was heavy with the weight of history. Standing before the skeletal remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome, a profound sense of sadness washed over us. However, this somber mood was unexpectedly lifted by the sight of groups of Japanese school children, diligently learning about their past. Walking in single file lines, each child, without exception, greeted us with a cheerful "Hello, how are you?" in English. This simple act of kindness resonated deeply, reminding us of our own childhood field trips to historic sites like the Alamo in Texas, where learning about the past was a shared experience, albeit with a very different focus. Witnessing these young minds engage with their history offered a glimmer of hope and a reminder that the pursuit of peace and understanding transcends cultural boundaries.