Potsdam sets an example for peace: Ginkgo tree is reminiscent of Hiroshima

Potsdam sets an example for peace: Ginkgo tree is reminiscent of Hiroshima

On July 8, 2025, a significant commemoration was celebrated in Potsdam commemorating the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On this International Flag Day Mayors for Peace The movement's flag was hung in front of the town hall. This symbol of hope was raised in partnership with the Hiroshima Square Association and the Interreligious Forum Potsdam. Mayor Burkhard Exner took part in the ceremony and spoke about the importance of remembering the victims of nuclear violence and the pursuit of a nuclear weapons-free future.

As part of the celebrations, a special ginkgo tree was planted on Goetheplatz. The tree comes from a mother plant that survived the Hiroshima explosion in 1945. This symbolic planting took place on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing as well as the liberation of Germany from fascism and the end of the Second World War. During the ceremonial planting, Brigitte Meier, the representative of the state capital Potsdam, handed over the first drop of water that will give life to the ginkgo tree. A plaque on the tree commemorates the need to fight for a world without nuclear weapons.

A strong network for peace

The movement Mayors for Peace was launched in 1982 by the then mayor of Hiroshima, Takeshi Araki, and has since developed into an international network. Today the organization has over 8,480 members from 166 countries, including around 900 cities in Germany alone. Exner emphasized that more than 600 cities in the Federal Republic are taking part in Flag Day this year and are working together for peace.

Schirin Wiesand, executive director of the Interreligious Forum, also took a stand and called for the complete abolition of all nuclear weapons worldwide. Their commitment demonstrates the common goal of transferring the lessons from the conflicts of the past into a more peaceful future. The memorial event will continue on July 25th at 5:45 p.m. at Hiroshima-Nagasaki Square in Potsdam to commemorate the day on which US President Truman gave the order to drop the atomic bombs.

International perspectives and the voices of survivors

The mayor of Hiroshima, Matsui Kazumi, also made a significant contribution to the discussion about nuclear disarmament, who recently made a peace declaration during the commemoration ceremony on August 6th. He called on the leaders of the nuclear powers to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki to understand the reality of the suffering caused by this terrible war. Matsui, himself enrolled as a hibakusha (survivor of the atomic bombings), shows that the average lifespan of hibakusha is now over 85 years and many suffer from the long-term effects of radiation.

In view of the current nuclear threats, he calls for a move away from nuclear deterrence and advocates for a society that promotes a culture of peace through cultural activities. The G7 summit in Hiroshima, at which world leaders showed their solidarity with the peace movement, underlines the global desire for a world without nuclear weapons.

This memorial event in Potsdam not only commemorates the past, but also sends a strong signal for a more peaceful and secure future. Every tree planted is not only a sign of remembrance, but also a symbol of hope that humanity is working towards peaceful coexistence and strengthening trust in dialogue.