Hiroshima Japan Takes Devastating Atomic Blow On This Day 68 Years Ago

Today marks the 68th anniversary of the atomic bomb that was dropped over Hiroshima, Japan killing over 140,000 men, women and children. Three days later we would drop another one prompting Japan's surrender on 15 August 1945.

Over 50,000 people stood for a minute of silence this morning in Hiroshima's 'Peace Park' to pay their respects near the epicenter of the early morning blast at 8:15 AM, 6 August 1945, killing upwards of 140,000 citizens by an atomic bomb named 'Little Boy.' Three days later, another atomic bomb, 'Fat Man' was dropped on Nagasaki leaving tens of thousands dead which immediately prompted Japan's surrender of World War II on 14 August 1945.

Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects killed 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 60,000–80,000 in Nagasaki. Roughly half of the deaths in each city occurring on the first day.

The Hiroshima prefecture health department estimated that, of the people who died on the day of the explosion, 60% died from flash or flame burns, 30% from falling debris and 10% from other causes. During the following months, large numbers died from the effect of burns, radiation sickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness. In a US estimate of the total immediate and short term cause of death, 15–20% died from radiation sickness, 20–30% from burns, and 50–60% from other injuries, compounded by illness. In both cities, most of the dead were civilians, although Hiroshima had a sizeable garrison.

Today is a day we should all remember and reflect on; good or bad.  Even though Japan had been given an ultimatum they blatantly ignored, thousands of innocent men, women, children and the elderly were mercilessly incinerated.  We should all keep them in our thoughts today.  The cost of war can be extremely high.!