As destiny would have it the first signer of The Log Book would be Mr Shigeaki Mori. After learning of Mr. Harada’s death I read about Shigeaki Mori was just 8 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
Atomic bombing of Hiroshima
At the time of the explosion, he was on a bridge near the city and was violently thrown into a river by the blast. He suffered injuries and burns but survived the bombing—an experience that left both physical and emotional scars.
In the aftermath, he witnessed unimaginable destruction: charred bodies, massive fires, and the total collapse of the city. He also lost classmates and neighbors, and his school was destroyed. The trauma of that day deeply shaped his worldview and later inspired his life’s work as a historian.
12 American POWs
Shigeaki Mori spent over 40 years researching the little-known story of 12 American prisoners of war (POWs) who died in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. He discovered their existence through a brief mention in a government document and, working independently, tracked down military records, survivor accounts, and U.S. archives to identify the POWs and uncover how they died.
Mori also contacted the soldiers’ families in the U.S. to share the truth about their loved ones and successfully campaigned for their recognition, leading to a memorial in Hiroshima.
The Paper Lantern Film Project chronicles Mr. Mori’s journey to find the 12 American POWs killed in Hiroshima. It is a staggering documentary that captures the incredible dignity and humanity of the person that Shigeaki Mori is.
US President Barak Obama visited Hiroshima on 27 May 2016 where Mr. Mori was among a small delegation of survivors. CNN reporter Will Ripley interviewed Mr. Mori in the days leading up to President Obama’s visit and kindly responded to my inquiry for assistance in making contact with Mr. Mori.
OECS Director General, Didacus Jules happened to be travelling to Japan on 26 February 2016, and kindly agreed to transport and mail the book to resident Japanese associates of mine, Richard Howard and his wife Yoko Nakano who were instrumental in asking Mr. Mori to autograph the logbook.
Mr. Mori would be the first of several war witnesses to sign. It was a hugely encouraging watershed moment that gave me the confidence to continue seeking out other veterans and witnesses.
http://www.lowellsun.com/news/ci_31908495/hiroshima-survivor-lowell-honor-pows-killed-blast
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