Peace bell to ring for Bikini victims

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Nagasaki Peace Bell will sound at 4 p.m. today to begin a two-day commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first U.S. hydrogen bomb tested in the Marshall Islands.

The event is sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. CoalitioniHawai'i, United Nations Associations —Hawai'i Division, and the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center.

The "Bravo Shot" was the most powerful of the 67 atomic and hydrogen bombs tested in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958. It was dropped at Bikini Atoll in the Marshalls on March 1, 1954, but the 50th anniversary actually would be marked today, Hawai'i time, said event planner Marsha Joyner.

The bell ringing will honor Pacific Islanders and anyone affected by the testing, as well as "atomic veterans" — U.S. military who were exposed to atomic fallout. Representing that group at the ceremony will be Kailua resident Charles Clark, who entered Nagasaki 45 days after the atomic blast destroyed that city.

Clark said he has suffered persistent skin cancers attributed to his exposure.

Military survivors have had little support for medical problems, according to Clark, who said: We are all hopeful and prayerful that someone will become honest and say, 'You fellows did suffer.' "

To mark the Bravo anniversary, members of the Harris United Methodist Church , the Honolulu Marshallese United Church of Christ and other congregations will meet for a vigil set for 4:30-6 p.m. tomorrow.

The program will include viewing portions of a Webcast that begins at 4 p.m. (lpbn.org /UMC.htm).

A contingent from Hawai'i is attending ceremonies in the Marshall Islands, including the Rev. Gary Barbaree, Grace Ripple, Elma Coleman, Julia Estrella, Karen Ginoza and Katherine Aratani.

Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.