(6 August 1998, The Chugoku Shimbun)

"As the children and the future of Hiroshima, we hereby pledge that we will continue to convey the horror of nuclear weapons", the two children's representatives at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony read vigorously. This is a part of the Commitment to Peace. They appealed with strength "continuation" to the next generation.

Children's representatives for this year are Kai Ohtani (right) of the Kusatsu Elementary School (age 12, grade 6) and Chihiro Horikoshi (left) of the Midorimachi Elementary School (age 12, grade 6). They were the highest-award winners of the essay contest called the Peace Summit (selected June every year). The Peace Summit is organized by the City's Education Committee and the highest-award winners of the contest read the Commitment to Peace at the Peace Memorial Ceremony.

Horikoshi said she was shocked to hear the story of her grand mother who experienced the A-bombing and now lives in Hamada City. "We need to build a truly peaceful world in which everyone can live in comfort and safety, feeling of joy in being alive." She raised her voice.

Ohtani has an experience that his friend used to call him names. He said in the commitment, "We have friends who hurt each other with violence and bullying, friends who live with deep unhappiness." Ohtani emphasized, "Each of us must learn to appreciate the value of life and have the courage to do the right thing in our daily lives".

Eriko Noma of the Ohshiba Elementary School (grade 6), a representative of the bereaved families to toll a bell of peace, has two grand mothers who are survivors. After she fulfilled her important duty, she said, "I want to attend the ceremony every year from now on."

Picture: Chihiro Horikoshi (left) and Ohtani Kai (right) reading out the "Commitment to Peace" vigorously