Flag for peace: 600 cities set signs against nuclear weapons

Flag for peace: 600 cities set signs against nuclear weapons

On July 8, 2025, the time had come: in more than 600 cities in Germany, including Zella-Mehlis and Suhl, proudly blew the flags of the organization "Mayors for Peace" in front of the town halls. With this impressive action, the cities set a strong sign of peace and the commitment to nuclear disarmament. The initiative, which was launched in 1982 by the Mayor of Hiroshima, has now become a global network. It comprises over 8,480 cities in 166 countries, including around 900 in Germany, and aims to prevent the use of nuclear weapons and to promote peaceful coexistence.

A look back at the past

The importance of this event should not be underestimated, especially in the light of tragic events 80 years ago. On August 6 and 9, 1945, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were attacked with atomic bombs. The memory of this is a warning sign for the survivors and all of humanity. These atrocities serve as an urgent warning of the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons. The current geopolitical developments, such as the upcoming suspension of the New Start Treaty between the USA and Russia in early 2024, also throw a shadow on the perspectives of future disarmament. In this regard, survivors of the disaster said that the teachings of the past have to be learned in order to avoid repeating such tragedies. The static figures of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) currently call around 12,241 nuclear warheads worldwide, which underlines the urgency of the topic.

an appeal to peace

The current geopolitical situation in which nuclear powers modernize their arsenal, especially the Chinese, has the risk of a new nuclear armor run. A fact that the organization and its members vigorously denounce and for which they work tirelessly.

The flag day, in which more than 600 German cities took part, is therefore a sign of life for the efforts to preserve peace and stand up for respectful coexistence. The global community is asked to face these challenges, learn from the past and to shape a peaceful future.

The message is clear: peace is not only desirable, but essential. As cities like Zella-Mehlis and Suhl, they show this flag, they show that peace is important to them and that the memory of the tragic events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is still important. In times when geopolitical tensions increase, such signs are more important than ever.

These actions remind us that each individual and every city can contribute their part to security and peace. May we all have a good knack for peace and disarmament.

Further information on the background of these actions can be found under inüdthuringen href = "https://www.muelheim-ruhr.de/cms/flaggentag_der_mayors_peace_staedte_zu_nuklearer_abruestung_und_frieden_auf_.html"> Mülheim Ruhr and SPIEGEL .