The Santa Cruz Sister City Shingu Sub-Committee announces an international bell ringing project to solemnly commemorate the 75th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the beginning of peace between the two countries. Introduced by Sister Cities International, local communities and individuals across the United States and Japan are asked to mark this solemn occasion by observing a period of silence (75 seconds)  followed by bell-ringing (75 seconds.) Because of the pandemic, individuals are encouraged to do this outside their homes or elsewhere following local protocols on social distancing and masking. The first solemn event will occur in Shingu, Japan on Thursday, August 6 at 8:15 AM, the exact moment the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and the second solemn event will occur on Sunday, August 9 at 11:02 AM, the exact moment the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Simultaneous events will occur In Santa Cruz on Wednesday August 5th at 4:15 PM, and on August 8 at 7:02 PM , Santa Cruzans can choose to participate in either or both of the events. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between the cities of Santa Cruz and Shingu.  Please plan to create photos and videos of the event and share at #JapanBells. For more information please email: sistercities@cityofsantacruz.com