My first thoughts of bringing this important exhibit to Symposium 2000 came in February, 1999, when Mr. Takashi Hiraoka, President of the Hiroshima Peace Cultural Foundation sent me a copy of the beautiful and moving film, Hiroshima- A Mother's Prayer. But after I realized the full scope of the exhibit and what was involved it became evident that it could be difficult to find the ideal exhibit space. I talked with many people and visited many possible sites over the months before Middle Tennessee State University agreed to display it on their campus. On February 18, this year, Mr. Kozo Hasezaki, came here from Nagasaki to discuss the exhibit and potential location. I have corresponded with several people in Japan., including Minoru Hataguchi, Director, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and Atsushi Ueda, of the Peace Promotion Office of the Nagasaki City Hall. Iccho Itoh, Mayor of Nagasaki, wrote on January l8, 2000, "It is a pleasure for me to write to you regarding an atomic bomb exhibit which Nagasaki City and Hiroshima City have been jointly holding in various places in the world to pass the reality of the atomic bombings of these two cities and to heighten the international opinions in favor of the abolition of nuclear weapons."

Hiroshima A-Bomb Dome

Dr. Kiyoshi Kawahito, Director of the Japan-U.S. Program at MTSU first became interested in bringing the Hiroshima Boys' Choir in concert to MTSU and after that was confirmed Dr. Kawahito began talks there about the exhibit and this past month commitments were finally made with Nagasaki officials' approval. I am sure that Dr. Schweitzer would approve wholeheartedly of this exhibit as he worked tirelessly for the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty which gave millions throughout the world hope. Dr. Schweitzer's daughter visited a hospital for atomic bomb victims in Japan and here is a letter she received from a patient: "Looking at the photograph taken on the occasion of your visit to our hospital, I am thinking of you at far distant land in Africa. I wish that doctor Schwaitzer (sic) is in good spirits. My health comes to a state of lull. It is difficult to me to get good health. Thanks to endeavor of doctor Schwaitzer and other peace-makers a partial atomic bomb test ban was realized in the last summer. It is big joy for us. From now we need not fear rain and air contaminated by radioactivity which causes atomic diseases to many persons.” "But production, storage and use of nuclear arms are not yet prohibited and minace (sic) humanity. I hope that the coming year 1964 will be the year of annihilation of nuclear arms and of establishment of eternal peace."

Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibit October 7 - October 28, 2000 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee 2nd Floor Lounge of the Keathley University Center Exhibit Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm OPENING RECEPTION: October 7, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Purpose of the Exhibit Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the first cities in the history of humanity to experience the dropping of an atomic bomb. In an instant, the cities were completely devastated and many lives were lost. The spirits and bodies of those who barely survived were wounded deeply, and the pain continues today, more than a half century later. Based on their tragic experience, Hirsohima and Nagasaki continue to appeal to the world that such an event may never again occur on this planet. Nagasaki must be the last place on Earth to be subjected to the horrors of nuclear weapons. The purpose of the Exhibit is to present the facts of the atomic bombings and foster international sentiment regarding the abolition of nuclear weapons. This exhibit is hosted by MTSU Special Events and Symposium 2000 - World Peace through Reverence for Life. Exhibition Contents 1) Panel exhibition of atomic bomb photos Messages from the sponsors of the exhibition and the Mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Outline of damage caused by the atomic bombs Citizen's art work depicting the actual conditions at the time The present state of nuclear weapons (nuclear weapons possessions, number of nuclear tests, state of disarmament. etc.) Wish for the abolition of nuclear weapons 2) Exhibition of actual artifacts from the atomic bombings 3) Screening of videos Hiroshima: A Mother's Prayer. Documentary film (approx. 30 minutes) On a Paper Crane. Animated video (approx. 30 minutes)

Bamboo with scars from the heat rays. This bamboo was cut down in a grove, about three kilometers from the hypocenter.

Wall clock, in Nagasaki, found in a house near Sanno Shinto Shrine in Sakamotomachi, about one kilometer from the hypocenter. The clock was shattered by the blast, and its hands stopped at 11:02 - the moment of the explosion.

Six melted bottles found in the ruins of a store about 400 meters from the hypocenter, these bottles melted at the top and stuck together.

Melted coins. These coins were piled in a stack when exposed to the heat rays. As a result of the difference in melting point, some of the coins fused together, evidence of the fierce, instantaneous heat released by the atomic bomb explosion.

A mother and child wait patiently for treatment. Taken the day after the bombing, about 3.6 kilometers north of the hypocenter. Both mother and child had suffered injuries. The four month-old infant, who did not even have the strength to suckle, died about ten days later.

A child cries while receiving treatment for burns (makeshift hospital at Primary School)

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