News Pic

Never forget

Photo By Tom Angel

Chico residents Mika Fairchild and her daughter Aiko view the display set up in Children’s Park Aug. 9 in tribute to the thousands of people who were obliterated in Hiroshima and Nagasaki by nuclear bombs dropped by America to end World War II 60 years ago. The Chico Peace and Justice Center bought the display six years ago in Japan and has brought it out every year since, according to Bob Trausch, representing the nonprofit. Fairchild, who grew up in a town about 40 minutes away from Nagasaki, said she wanted to show her daughter the photos of the bomb’s aftermath, but said she wouldn’t be able to explain to Aiko the reasons for the nuclear attack for a few more years. Body outlines in chalk were drawn in a number of spots on the downtown sidewalks Tuesday, representing the people who evaporated on in August 1945. Chico Mayor Scott Gruendl gave a speech as park visitors checked out the display, prayed and meditated.