Dear All
Hello
At the moment, there is increasing tension in the world because of the missile testing by North Korea.
I found this story, almost unnoticed, earlier today.
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SUMITERU TANIGUCHI
Mr Sumiteru Taniguchi was a prominent activist for a treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons and chairman of the Nagasaki Council of A-Bomb Sufferers.
He passed away on 30 August.
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On the morning of August 9, 1945, in Nagaski, Japan, Mr Taniguchi was delivering mail for the local post office when the atomic bomb was dropped.
Although almost 6,000 feet away from the centre, the young 16 year old suffered severe burns.
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Later in his life, he recalled how buildings around him were blown away by the force of the bomb. He was saved by a fellow survivor, a young girl, who cut away his clothing and large portions of burnt skin. He was evacuated to a hill with other survivors.
By 11 August, rescue teams finally located him and took him to a hospital. It took many years and operations for him to recover.
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In January 1946, U.S. Marine photographer Joe O'Donnell snapped a picture of Mr Taniguchi's back while recording the aftermath of the bombing in 50 Japanese cities.
This photograph is now exhibited in museums as a graphic depiction of the injuries suffered by survivors of the bombings.
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Mr Taniguchi's said in an interview:
"I want you to understand, if only a little, the horror of nuclear weapons."
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Mr Taniguchi devoted his life to informing people of the consequences of the 1945 atomic bombing and campaigning against nuclear proliferation.
He made frequent public appearances to speak to student groups and participated in demonstrations calling for nuclear disarmament.
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Mr Taniguchi gave numerous interviews recounting his experiences and was featured in Steven Okazaki's 2007 documentary "White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki."
Rest in peace.
Love Elizabeth, EOS xx
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Thank you for this Elizabeth.
It reminds me of a Japanese man I once worked with, probably born shortly before of during the war. He and his fiancee were caught in the nuclear fallout. It made them both sterile. Its not something we automatically associate with the bombing.
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Another brave man lost to the world, who despite his horrific experiences and injuries did his best to make our world a better place. Rest in peace, sir.
Thanks Elizabeth, for such interesting information. I hope you are well.
Lizxx
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Dear Maggie, DET and Purple,
Thank you very much for replying.
This story was only given a tiny fraction of news coverage.
I am so pleased I was able to find and share it with you.
Take gentle care of yourselves Love Elizabeth, EOS xx
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