People hold hands around the iconic 26-foot tall 'Chain Reaction' during the 'Hiroshima Candlelight Remembrance and Peace Vigil' on Tuesday, Aug, 6, 2013. The event was held to remember the victims of the August 6, 1945 bombing of Hiroshima, and to support efforts leading to a nuclear weapons-free world.
The vigil included speakers from Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles and other peace group activists who are concerned that there is still a worldwide danger that exists from nuclear weapons. Also speaking were community activists with Save Chain Reaction, who are working to save and restore the threatened sculpture that was designed, created and gifted to Santa Monica by the late 3-time Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist Paul Conrad. The sculpture has been standing in the Civic Center since 1991, and last year was designated as a Santa Monica landmark by the Santa Monica Landmarks Commission.
The vigil opened with the presentation of the Hiroshima Eternal Peace Flame, which was brought to the event by Regina Sakurai and Michiyo Masubuchi of the Koyassan Temple in Los Angeles.
Speakers included Dr. William E. Perkins, a pediatrician who served as a PSR-LA board member for over 25 years ; Denise Duffield, PSR-LA Associate Director ; Ron Kovic, a paraplegic Vietnam war veteran, peace activist and author of 'Born on the Fourth of July'; Harvey Wasserman, a leading strategist and organizer in the anti-nuclear movement ; Dave Conrad, leader of Save Chain Reaction and son of 'Chain Reaction' sculptor Paul Conrad ; and Jerry Rubin, a Santa Monica peace activist and Save Chain Reaction member.
The vigil concluded with a 'Candlelight Circle of Peace' surrounding the iconic 'Chain Reaction' warning monument.
The event was sponsored by Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles and Save Chain Reaction.
The sculpture is located on the 1800 block of Main Street just north of Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica.
