Hiroshima memorial looks to stop nuclear weapon use

On Aug. 6, 1945, the United Stated bombed Hiroshima with a nuclear weapon as a result of a previous attack on Pearl Harbor.

On Sunday, memorials honoring those lost in the bombing will be held throughout the world, including the Imperial Valley.

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., a memorial event open to the public will take place in front of Cinemark at Imperial Valley Mall in El Centro.

Hosted by Ground Zero Players, a direct action street theater group based in San Diego, the event will also focus on raising awareness against using nuclear weapons.

“I don’t want anybody in the world to believe that anybody else should use a weapon of mass destruction in the modern day against people for any reason,” said Robert Holdman, an organizer with Ground Zero Players.

A petition will be available for those in attendance to sign, urging President Trump and elected officials to enter an international agreement that prevents the use of atomic weapons.

“I believe that the public opinion is still there. We’re right on the first wave of bringing this issue back,” said Holdman on preventing atomic weapons being used.

Those in attendance are also welcome to participate in creating a chalk mural on the sidewalk.

Spanish and English speakers will be present at the commemoration.

Since 1986, the organizing group has hosted many similar events in San Diego and has previously organized events locally.