Local peace groups honor atomic bomb victims

TIFFIN — Members of Nonviolent Tiffin, in conjunction with the local chapter of Pax Christi, held a memorial service in remembrance of the victims of Nagasaki and Hiroshima Wednesday along Frost Parkway in downtown Tiffin. The memorial began under the gazebo along Frost Parkway, where members of the two peace-seeking organizations gave a presentation about what took place in these two cities 80 years ago. Sister Paulette Schroeder of St. Francis opened the readings, referencing a sermon previously given by Father John Dear on the Nonviolent Jesus Podcast. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your countrymen and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons and daughters of your heavenly God, for God makes his sun rise on the bad and the good and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust." Following the presentation, those in attendance gathered their signs and processed across the bridge on E. Perry St., where several residents honked to show their support against nuclear weapons. After the procession, several dozen rose petals were tossed over the bridge as a final symbol of peace.