I recently found a set of photos from a Hiroshima memorial held in front of Honolulu Hale (city hall), probably back in about 1972 or 1973. They’re timely, with another anniversary of the atomic bombing just a week away.
This first photo is your’s truly with my mother, Helen Lind. I had a bit more beard in those days and a lot less gray. And I like the flared jeans and slippers. Graduate student status had its benefits. My mom’s sun glasses were a real statement of sorts, or else just a sign of the times.
In any case, this photo is a bit of a distraction from the event itself. Click on this next photo to browse through this small gallery.
![[text]](http://ilind.net/oldkine_images/hiroshima/source/image/set-2-3.jpg)
Despite the sister city relationship between Honolulu and Hiroshima, there doesn’t appear to have been much in the way of city participation in the event. At that time, nuclear weapons policy was still a very hot political issue, and mentioning Hiroshima was an implied criticism of U.S. national policy.
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I was there along with the rest of the AFSC contingent. Representatives from the city of Hiroshima attended, and a “peace tree” was planted right behind the banner there at Honolulu Hale. The Japanese visitors gave each of us a small commemorative pin in the shape of a leaf which I still have.
As you note, Ian, any anti-nuke position was viewed as subversive–the cold war was still hot, and the Vietnam war was reaching its horrific climax with the ’72 offensive/Christmas bombing, and all the rest.
Hey, there I am in the foreground of da slide with Dexter!
A few slides on there a heavyset haole guy in a white shirt and tie in the background–I wonder if he was federal “oversight” of the proceedings…
We sure were skinny back then, ne? Who’d have thought we drank plenty beer?