NEW DELHI, India – August 6 is a date etched in global history as a somber reminder of a devastating event that changed the world forever. On this day, we observe Hiroshima Day, a solemn occasion to remember the victims of the first atomic bombing and to renew our commitment to the cause of world peace. It is a day to reflect on the immense human cost of conflict and the urgent need for a nuclear-free world.

Here’s a look at the historical event we remember on this day:

The Day the World Changed

On August 6, 1945, at the end of World War II, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The blast, nicknamed "Little Boy," instantly killed tens of thousands of people and caused unimaginable destruction. The attack was followed by another atomic bombing on Nagasaki three days later, which ultimately led to the surrender of Japan and the end of the war. Hiroshima Day serves as a powerful testament to the horrors of nuclear warfare. Today, ceremonies are held at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, where survivors and world leaders gather to honor the dead and call for the elimination of all nuclear weapons, ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again.