Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan visited the annual Hiroshima Memorial Service for the Dead and the Peace Memorial Ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in 2001. There was a moment of silence and a release of doves. Hiroshima’s Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba gave a “Peace Declaration,” and children gave a “Commitment to Peace.” Prime Minister Koizumi stated, “Being the only country ever to have experienced nuclear devastation, Japan observes its Peace Constitution, firmly maintaining the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. Japan is also continuing to appeal to the international community for the abolition of nuclear weapons and realization of a permanent peace so that the horrors of nuclear weapons never be repeated.” 2001 Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba’s Peace Declaration 2001 BBC News photos of Hiroshima August 6, 2001 Hiroshima Memorial Service Washington Post Japan marks 56th anniversary of Hiroshima USA Today Education Hiroshima and Peace program for undergraduate and graduate students General Children’s Peace Monument Tower of a Thousand Cranes Hiroshima Peace Site   Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Website Hiroshima Peace Media Center Media Message from Hiroshima Official Trailer …